Shloka 49
धृतराष्ट्र–दुर्योधन संवादः
Vāraṇāvata-vivāsana-nīti: Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Duryodhana’s Policy Dialogue
अश्वृत्थामैव बालो<यं तस्मान्नाम्ना भविष्यति । सुतेन तेन सुप्रीतो भारद्वाजस्ततो5भवत्
Vaiśampāyana uvāca: Aśvatthāmaiva bālo ’yaṃ tasmān nāmnā bhaviṣyati | sutena tena suprīto Bhāradvājas tato ’bhavat ||
“अतः यह बालक अश्वत्थामा नाम से ही प्रसिद्ध होगा।” यह सुनकर भरद्वाज-नन्दन द्रोण उस पुत्र के कारण अत्यन्त प्रसन्न हुए।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how identity in epic culture is shaped by observable signs and communal recognition: a name is not merely a label but a marker of perceived nature and future reputation, while parental joy is framed as a dharmic affirmation of lineage and continuity.
The narrator states that the child will be known as Aśvatthāmā, a name linked to the horse-like resonance of his cry; as a result, Droṇa (called ‘Bhāradvāja’s son’) becomes very pleased with his newborn son.