Shloka 16
Bhīṣma’s Appraisal of Kaurava Champions (भीष्मकृतः रथिनां गुणनिरूपणम्)
पितामहो हि कुशल: परेषामात्मनस्तथा | श्रोतुमिच्छाम्यहं सर्वे: सहैभिर्वसुधाधिपै:,कुरुनन्दन! आप शत्रुओंके तथा अपने पक्षके रथियों और अतिरथियोंकी संख्याको पूर्णरूपसे जानते हैं, अतः मैं भी आपसे इस विषयकी जानकारी प्राप्त करना चाहता हूँ; क्योंकि पितामह शत्रुपक्ष तथा अपने पक्षकी सभी बातोंके ज्ञानमें निपुण हैं, अत: मैं इन सब राजाओंके साथ आपके मुहसे इस विषयको सुनना चाहता हूँ
pitāmaho hi kuśalaḥ pareṣām ātmanaḥ tathā | śrotum icchāmy ahaṃ sarvaiḥ sahaibhir vasudhādhipaiḥ ||
Duryodhana said: “Grandfather Bhīṣma is indeed fully competent—he knows well the strengths of the enemy as well as our own. Therefore I wish to hear it from you, in the presence of all these kings: a clear account of the warriors and great chariot-fighters on both sides.”
दुर्योधन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Competent leadership seeks accurate knowledge before action: Duryodhana acknowledges Bhīṣma’s expertise in assessing both sides. Ethically, the verse highlights the value of informed counsel, even though the larger narrative shows that knowledge alone does not ensure righteous choice.
On the eve of conflict, Duryodhana addresses Bhīṣma and asks him—before the assembled kings—to state what he knows about the opposing and allied forces, i.e., the relative strength and notable warriors on each side.