Shloka 31
धृतराष्ट्र-संजय-संवादः — सैन्यप्रशंसा, भेदनवृत्तान्त-प्रश्नः
Dhṛtarāṣṭra–Sañjaya Dialogue: Praise of the Host and Inquiry after the Breach
पताकिनं शोणहयं वेदिकृष्णाजिन ध्वजम् । द्रोणस्यप रथमालोक्य प्रहृष्टा: कुरवो5भवन्,उस समय वेदी और काले मृगचर्मके चिह्नसे युक्त ध्वजवाले, पताकासे सुशोभित और लाल घोड़ोंसे जुते हुए द्रोणाचार्यके रथको देखकर समस्त कौरव बड़े प्रसन्न हुए
patākinaṁ śoṇahayaṁ vedīkṛṣṇājinadhvajam | droṇasya ratham ālokya prahṛṣṭāḥ kuravo 'bhavan ||
Sañjaya dit : Voyant le char de Droṇa—orné de bannières, attelé de chevaux rouges et portant un étendard marqué de l’autel sacrificiel et d’une peau d’antilope noire—les Kaurava furent saisis d’allégresse.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how external signs—commanders, emblems, and martial display—can rapidly shift collective morale. Ethically, it invites reflection on how confidence in power and victory can overshadow the deeper demands of dharma during war.
Sañjaya reports that the Kaurava side becomes delighted upon seeing Droṇācārya’s chariot, distinguished by red horses and a ritual-symbolic standard (vedī and kṛṣṇājina), suggesting Droṇa’s prominent presence and the army’s renewed enthusiasm.