Shloka 11
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 23: Report of the Slain Sūtaputras, Royal Orders, and Sairandhrī’s Return
हियमाणा तु सा राजन् सूतपुत्रैरनिन्दिता । प्राक्रोशन्नाथमिच्छन्ती कृष्णा नाथवती सती
hriyamāṇā tu sā rājan sūtaputrair aninditā | prākrośann ātham icchantī kṛṣṇā nāthavatī satī ||
Vaiśampāyana said: O King, as the blameless Kṛṣṇā (Draupadī) was being dragged away by the sons of a sūta, she cried out loudly, longing for a protector. Though she had rightful guardians, she was made to feel as if she were without refuge.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how adharma manifests when the powerful violate the dignity of the blameless. Even one who should be protected can be made to feel helpless; dharma demands active guardianship and resistance to injustice, not passive complicity.
Draupadī (called Kṛṣṇā), though a virtuous woman with rightful protectors, is being forcibly dragged by Kīcaka’s men (called sūtaputras). She cries out loudly, seeking a protector, underscoring her public humiliation and the moral crisis in the courtly environment.