Shloka 14
Droṇācāryaḥ Senāpatiḥ
Droṇa Appointed Commander-in-Chief
कुलसंहननज्ञानैर्बलविक्रमबुद्धिभि: । युक्ता: श्रुतज्ञा धीमन््त आहवेष्वनिवर्तिन:,जो राजा यहाँ मौजूद हैं, वे सभी अपने कुल, शरीर, ज्ञान, बल, पराक्रम और बुद्धिकी दृष्टिसे सेनापति-पदके योग्य हैं। ये सब-के-सब वेदज्ञ, बुद्धिमान् और युद्धसे कभी पीछे न हटनेवाले हैं
kulasaṁhanana-jñānair bala-vikrama-buddhibhiḥ | yuktāḥ śruta-jñā dhīmantā āhaveṣv anivartinaḥ ||
Karna said: “All the kings present here are fit for the office of commander, being endowed with knowledge of their lineage and bodily constitution, and possessing strength, valor, and sound judgment. They are all learned in sacred tradition, intelligent, and never turn back from battle.”
कर्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ideal qualifications for military leadership in the Kshatriya context: noble standing and disciplined constitution, combined with strength, valor, and clear judgment, supported by learning and unwavering courage in battle.
Karna is assessing the assembled kings and asserting that many among them are fully qualified to serve as commander, emphasizing their learning, intelligence, and steadfastness in combat—an argument meant to support a strategic choice of leadership in the war.