Shloka 38
Karṇa-parva Adhyāya 20 — Yudhiṣṭhira–Duryodhana Encounter and Escalation of Arms
अश्चवारोहा: समासाद्य त्वरिता: पत्तिभिहता:
aśvavārohāḥ samāsādya tvaritāḥ pattibhihatāḥ
Sañjaya dit : Les guerriers à cheval, s’étant rués au contact, furent promptement abattus par les fantassins. Le vers souligne que, dans le tumulte du combat, ni la vitesse ni le rang n’assurent une protection certaine lorsque l’infanterie disciplinée affronte la cavalerie de près.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Martial advantage is unstable: speed, status, or mounted strength can be overturned when opponents act with resolve and coordination. The verse implicitly points to the ethical gravity of war—human lives are cut down quickly, reminding the listener of the harsh consequences set in motion by conflict.
In Sañjaya’s battlefield report, cavalrymen rush forward to engage, but as they close in they are struck down by infantry. It depicts a moment where foot-soldiers successfully repel or kill mounted attackers at close range.