Shloka 22
उपायधर्म-सेनायोगः
Upāya-dharma and Senāyoga: Expedient Ethics & Army Deployment
अपडूका गर्तरहिता रथभूमि: प्रशस्यते । नीचद्रुमा महाकक्षा सोदका हस्तियोधिनाम्
apadūkā gartarahitā rathabhūmiḥ praśasyate | nīcadrumā mahākakṣā sodakā hastiyodhinām ||
Bhīṣma berkata: Medan perang yang layak bagi kereta perang dipuji bila bebas dari lumpur dan lubang. Namun bagi para prajurit gajah, tanah yang terpuji ialah yang memiliki pepohonan rendah, hamparan luas rerumputan dan semak, serta tersedia air—medan yang mampu menopang gajah dan memudahkan geraknya dalam perang.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma teaches practical discernment in warfare: different arms (chariots vs. elephants) require different terrain. Good leadership includes choosing ground that matches one’s forces, minimizing avoidable risk and maximizing effectiveness.
In Śānti Parva’s instruction on governance and statecraft, Bhīṣma advises on military preparedness. Here he specifies what kind of land is considered suitable for deploying chariot troops and elephant troops.