Shloka 43
Somadatta–Sātyaki Engagement; Bhīma’s Interventions; Droṇa–Yudhiṣṭhira Astra Exchange
Book 7, Chapter 132
भड्वक्त्वा रथं स पुत्रस्ते हताश्वो हतसारथि: । मद्रराजरथं तूर्णमारुरोह परंतप:,इस प्रकार उस रथको तोड़-फोड़कर घोड़ों और सारथिसे हीन हुआ शत्रुसंतापी दुर्योधन शीघ्र ही मद्रराज शल्यके रथपर जा चढ़ा
bhaṅktvā rathaṃ sa putras te hatāśvo hatasārathiḥ | madrarājarathaṃ tūrṇam āruroha paraṃtapaḥ ||
Having smashed that chariot, your son—his horses slain and his charioteer killed—Duryodhana, the scorcher of foes, swiftly mounted the chariot of the Madra king Śalya. The scene underscores the relentless momentum of war: even when one’s support-system (steeds and driver) is destroyed, pride and resolve drive a warrior to seize another means and continue the fight, deepening the cycle of violence and escalation.
द्रोण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in the heat of war, determination and pride can override loss and prudence: even after losing the very supports of battle (horses and charioteer), a warrior immediately seeks another vehicle to continue. Ethically, it reflects the Mahābhārata’s recurring warning that unchecked resolve in adharma-driven conflict sustains and intensifies suffering.
Droṇa describes that Duryodhana’s chariot has been shattered and he is left without horses and charioteer; nevertheless, Duryodhana quickly climbs onto the chariot of Śalya, the king of Madra, to re-enter the fight.