Shloka 16
Kaurava Mobilization at Kurukṣetra (Duryodhana Orders War Preparations) / कुरुक्षेत्रे धार्तराष्ट्र-सैन्यसज्जा
पितेवास्मान् समाधत्ते यः सदा पार्थिवर्षभ: । श्वशुरो द्रुपदो5स्माकं सेनाग्रं स प्रकर्षतु
pitevāsmān samādhatte yaḥ sadā pārthivarṣabhaḥ | śvaśuro drupado 'smākaṃ senāgraṃ sa prakarṣatu ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “Like a father, the bull among kings who always steadies and supports us—our father-in-law Drupada—should now take the foremost position of the army and lead it forward.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical leadership grounded in relational duty and proven support: one who has consistently acted with paternal care and steadiness is fit to be entrusted with the army’s foremost responsibility.
In the context of mobilization for war, the speaker proposes that Drupada—respected as a father-like ally and also a father-in-law—should be placed at the head of the forces, taking the vanguard and leading the advance.