Shloka 22
उपायधर्म-सेनायोगः
Upāya-dharma and Senāyoga: Expedient Ethics & Army Deployment
अपडूका गर्तरहिता रथभूमि: प्रशस्यते । नीचद्रुमा महाकक्षा सोदका हस्तियोधिनाम्
apadūkā gartarahitā rathabhūmiḥ praśasyate | nīcadrumā mahākakṣā sodakā hastiyodhinām ||
Bhīṣma dit : On loue comme propre aux chars un champ de bataille exempt de bourbier et de fosses. Mais pour les guerriers montés sur éléphants, le terrain digne d’éloge est celui qui offre des arbres bas, de vastes étendues d’herbes et de broussailles, et de l’eau en abondance — un sol qui soutient les éléphants et leur permet de se mouvoir dans la guerre.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma teaches practical discernment in warfare: different arms (chariots vs. elephants) require different terrain. Good leadership includes choosing ground that matches one’s forces, minimizing avoidable risk and maximizing effectiveness.
In Śānti Parva’s instruction on governance and statecraft, Bhīṣma advises on military preparedness. Here he specifies what kind of land is considered suitable for deploying chariot troops and elephant troops.