Shloka 11
पाण्डवसेनानायकाभिषेकः तथा बलरामागमन-उपदेशः | Appointment of Pandava Commanders and Balarama’s Counsel
तथा कवचिन: शूरा: शस्त्रेषु कृतनिश्चया: । कुलीना हययोनिज्ञा: सारथ्ये विनिवेषिता:
tathā kavacinaḥ śūrāḥ śastreṣu kṛtaniścayāḥ | kulīnā hayayonijñāḥ sārathye viniveśitāḥ ||
इसी प्रकार कवचधारी वे शूरवीर, जो शस्त्र-प्रयोग में निश्चयवान् और निपुण थे, कुलीन थे तथा घोड़ों की नस्ल और स्वभाव को पहचानते थे—उन्हीं को सारथ्य के कार्य में नियुक्त किया गया।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that dharma in warfare includes proper appointment of roles: charioteering is not menial but a critical responsibility requiring bravery, training in arms, noble reliability, and expert knowledge of horses—so that battle is conducted safely and effectively.
Vaiśaṃpāyana describes the organization of war preparations: armored, capable warriors—skilled with weapons and knowledgeable about horse lineages—are specifically assigned as charioteers, indicating careful selection of personnel for key battlefield functions.