Shloka 49
तत्राप्यधिकमालक्ष्य माधवं रथसत्तमम् | क्षिप्रमभ्यपतत् कर्ण: परीप्संस्तनयं तव
tatrāpy adhikam ālakṣya mādhavaṁ rathasattamam | kṣipram abhyapatat karṇaḥ parīpsaṁs tanayaṁ tava ||
Di sana pun, setelah mengenali dengan jelas Mādhava—yang utama di antara para kesatria kereta—Karna segera menerjang maju, berniat mencapai dan menjatuhkan putramu.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in the pressure of war, a warrior’s loyalty and determination can become a driving force that narrows attention to a single objective. Ethically, it invites reflection on how resolve and duty (as understood by the combatant) may conflict with prudence and the broader human cost of battle.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Karna, noticing Mādhava—described as the foremost chariot-warrior—charges swiftly, aiming to reach Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s son (contextually Duryodhana). It depicts a rapid tactical movement amid the ongoing fighting in Droṇa Parva.