Shloka 6
Udyoga-parva Adhyāya 165 — Bhīṣma’s Appraisal and Karṇa’s Rebuttal (भीष्म–कर्ण विवादः)
विन्दानुविन्दावावन्त्यौ संमतौ रथसत्तमौ । कृतिनौ समरे तात दृढवीर्यपराक्रमौ
vindānuvindāv āvantyau saṃmatau rathasattamau | kṛtinau samare tāta dṛḍhavīryaparākramau ||
Bhishma berkata: “Vindā dan Anuvindā, para pangeran Avanti, diakui sebagai yang terdepan di antara para pejuang kereta. Anakku, mereka terampil di medan laga—mahir dalam seni perang serta dianugerahi kekuatan dan keberanian yang teguh.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse models a dharmic, unsentimental evaluation of warriors: acknowledging skill and valor is part of responsible counsel in war, because ethical decision-making must account for real capacities and consequences.
Bhīṣma is describing notable fighters, praising Vindā and Anuvindā of Avanti as eminent chariot-warriors, proficient in combat and possessed of firm strength and prowess.