Shloka 31
भीष्मस्य भीमसेन-निरोधः
Bhīṣma checks Bhīmasena; matched engagements intensify
दुर्योधन उवाच द्रोणश्न त्वं च शल्यश्न कृपो द्रोणिस्तथैव च | कृतवर्मा च हार्दिक्य: काम्बोजश्न सुदक्षिण:,दुर्योधनने पूछा--पितामह! आप, द्रोणाचार्य, शल्य, कृपाचार्य, अश्वत्थामा, हृदिकपुत्र कृतवर्मा, कम्बोजराज सुदक्षिण, भूरिश्रवा, विकर्ण तथा पराक्रमी भगदत्त--ये सब महारथी कहे जाते हैं। सभी कुलीन और युद्धमें मेरे लिये अपना शरीर निछावर करनेको तैयार हैं
duryodhana uvāca: droṇaś ca tvaṁ ca śalyaś ca kṛpaḥ droṇis tathaiva ca | kṛtavarmā ca hārdikyaḥ kāmbojaś ca sudakṣiṇaḥ ||
Duryodhana said: “And Droṇa, and you (O grandsire), and Śalya; Kṛpa, and Droṇi (Aśvatthāmā) as well; and Kṛtavarmā the son of Hṛdīka; and Sudakṣiṇa of the Kāmbojas—these are the foremost warriors on our side.” In the ethical frame of the episode, Duryodhana is counting celebrated commanders to bolster confidence and justify the coming violence, treating loyalty and martial prowess as the decisive measure rather than the justice of the cause.
दुर्योधन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how power can be rationalized through lists of strength and loyalty; ethically, it invites reflection on the difference between having mighty supporters and having a righteous cause (dharma).
Duryodhana addresses Bhīṣma and names key Kaurava-aligned warriors—Droṇa, Śalya, Kṛpa, Aśvatthāmā, Kṛtavarmā, and Sudakṣiṇa—emphasizing the formidable leadership and manpower assembled for the Kurukṣetra war.