Shloka 7
Amba’s Disclosure of Prior Choice (Śālva) and Appeal to Bhīṣma — Chapter 171
योत्स्यते समरे तात मायावी समरप्रिय: । ये चास्य राक्षसा वीरा: सचिवा वशवर्तिन:
yotsyate samare tāta māyāvī samarapriyaḥ | ye cāsya rākṣasā vīrāḥ sacivā vaśavartinaḥ ||
तात! वह मायावी, युद्धप्रिय, समर में अवश्य लड़ेगा। और उसके साथ जो वीर राक्षस—उसके सचिव और अनुचर हैं—वे सब उसके वश में रहने वाले हैं।
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a practical ethical-political insight: a battle-loving, deceptive leader can mobilize subordinates who are firmly under his influence; therefore, one must assess not only an individual opponent’s prowess but also the cohesion and obedience of his retinue.
Bhīṣma is describing an adversarial figure characterized by māyā (deception/illusion) and eagerness for combat, noting that the Rākṣasa warriors and counselors associated with him are loyal and controlled by him—emphasizing the organized threat posed by his group.