Shloka 22
त्रिगर्त-मात्स्य-संग्रामः
The Trigarta–Matsya Engagement at Twilight
एतेषामपि दीयन्तां रथा ध्वजपताकिन: । कवचानि च चित्राणि दृढानि च मृदूनि च
eteṣām api dīyantāṃ rathā dhvajapatākinaḥ | kavacāni ca citrāṇi dṛḍhāni ca mṛdūni ca ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: “Let chariots adorned with banners and pennants be given to these men as well. And let them also be provided with splendid coats of mail—firm on the outside yet yielding within—so that they may be properly equipped.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the dharmic ideal of proper martial preparedness and royal decorum: those recognized as warriors should be equipped with fitting insignia (banners, pennants) and protective gear, reflecting honor, responsibility, and readiness for righteous duty.
In the Virāṭa episode, arrangements are being made to outfit certain men for battle or public martial display. The speaker directs that they too receive chariots with standards and fine armor—strong yet comfortable—signaling their acceptance as capable warriors.