Shloka 17
Adhyāya 45 — Duryodhana’s Distress, Śakuni’s Counsel, and the Summons for Dyūta
तस्य तद् वचन श्रुत्वा शिशुपाल: प्रतापवान् | जहास स्वनवद्धासं वाक््यं चेदमुवाच ह,श्रीकृष्णका उपर्युक्त वचन सुनकर प्रतापी शिशुपाल खिलखिलाकर हँसने लगा और इस प्रकार बोला--
tasya tad vacanaṁ śrutvā śiśupālaḥ pratāpavān | jahāsa svanavaddhāsaṁ vākyaṁ cedam uvāca ha ||
Entendant ces paroles, le puissant Śiśupāla éclata d’un rire sonore et méprisant, puis parla ainsi—marquant au grand jour son dédain pour l’avis qui venait d’être donné.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how contemptuous speech and ridicule in a public forum can escalate ethical and political conflict; it implicitly contrasts disciplined, dharmic restraint with pride-driven mockery that undermines harmony in the assembly.
After hearing the preceding statement (contextually, counsel or praise offered in the assembly), Śiśupāla reacts by laughing loudly and prepares to deliver a pointed reply, marking the beginning of his verbal challenge in the court setting.