Shloka 72
भीमस्य जलान्वेषणं तथा वनविश्रान्तिः
Bhīma’s Search for Water and the Forest Halt
वैशग्पायन उवाच एवमुक्त: स तं॑ द्रोणो मोक्षयामास भारत । सत्कृत्य चैनं प्रीतात्मा राज्यार्ध प्रत्यपादयत्,वैशम्पायनजी कहते हैं--भारत! ट्रुपदके यों कहनेपर द्रोणाचार्यने उन्हें छोड़ दिया और प्रसन्नचित्त हो उनका आदर-सत्कार करके उन्हें आधा राज्य दे दिया
Vaiśampāyana uvāca: evam uktaḥ sa taṃ Droṇo mokṣayāmāsa Bhārata | satkṛtya cainaṃ prītātmā rājyārdhaṃ pratyapādayat ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Thus addressed, Droṇa released him, O Bhārata. Then, with a pleased heart, he honored him with due respect and restored to him half of the kingdom. The episode underscores a moment where restraint follows confrontation, and where respect and reconciliation are used to settle a conflict without further harm.
वैशग्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Power is not the final measure of righteousness: after asserting dominance, one may still act with restraint and honor. The verse highlights ethical kingship and personal conduct—showing respect (satkāra) and choosing reconciliation by restoring what is due, rather than pursuing humiliation or needless violence.
After Drupada speaks in a way that satisfies or persuades him, Droṇa releases Drupada from captivity. Droṇa then treats him respectfully and grants him half of the kingdom, turning a hostile encounter into a settlement marked by courtesy and a negotiated division of rule.