Shloka 9
Adhyāya 203 — Tilottamā-sṛṣṭiḥ
Creation and Commissioning of Tilottamā
एवं सान्त्वसमायुक्त द्रुपदं पाण्डवै: सह । उक्त्वा सो$नन्तरं ब्रूयात् तेषामागमनं प्रति,इस प्रकार (उपहार देनेके पश्चात्) पाण्डवोंसहित द्रुपदसे सान्त्वनापूर्ण वचन कहकर अन्तमें वह पाण्डवोंके हस्तिनापुरमें आनेके विषयमें प्रस्ताव करे
evaṃ sāntvasamāyukta drupadaṃ pāṇḍavaiḥ saha | uktvā so'nantaraṃ brūyāt teṣām āgamanaṃ prati ||
Having addressed Drupada—together with the Pāṇḍavas—in words filled with reassurance and conciliation, he should then, at the end, propose the matter of their coming to Hastināpura.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes ethical statecraft: begin with conciliatory, reassuring speech to reduce hostility and build trust, and only then introduce a sensitive proposal—here, inviting the Pāṇḍavas to Hastināpura.
Bhīṣma gives counsel on how to speak to King Drupada in the presence of the Pāṇḍavas: first offer pacifying words and goodwill, and afterwards raise the proposal regarding the Pāṇḍavas’ coming to Hastināpura.