Shloka 11
भीष्म-द्रोणादिभिः पाण्डवसेनाक्षयकाल-निर्णयः | Time-estimates for the depletion of the Pāṇḍava forces
Bhīṣma–Droṇa council
ते समेत्य यथान्यायं धार्तराष्ट्रा महाबला: । कुरुक्षेत्रस्य पश्चार्थे व्यवातिष्ठन्त दंशिता:
te sametya yathānyāyaṃ dhārtarāṣṭrā mahābalāḥ | kurukṣetrasya paścārthe vyavātiṣṭhanta daṃśitāḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana dit : S’étant rassemblés selon l’ordre prescrit, les puissants fils de Dhṛtarāṣṭra—entièrement armés et équipés—prirent position sur le côté occidental de Kurukṣetra. La scène souligne une préparation guerrière disciplinée : l’ordre visible et la disponibilité martiale s’établissent, tandis que le conflit moral sur la juste conduite et la légitimité du pouvoir continue de se révéler.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that even in an unrighteous or contested cause, participants may display strict external discipline and proper procedure. It invites reflection on the difference between orderly conduct (nīti in practice) and the deeper question of dharma—whether the underlying aim is just.
The Kaurava side (Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s sons and their forces) assembles and, properly arranged and fully armed, takes position on the western part of Kurukṣetra, indicating the formal readiness and deployment of troops before the impending conflict.