Shloka 21
Bhīmasena–Drauṇi Mahāyuddha
Chariot Duel and Astra-Exchange
पुच्छे हयास्तां महावीर्यों भ्रातरौ पार्थिवौ तदा । चित्रश्न चित्रसेनश्व॒ महत्या सेनया वृती,व्यूहके पुच्छभागमें महापराक्रमी दोनों भाई राजा चित्र और चित्रसेन अपनी विशाल सेनाके साथ उपस्थित हुए
pucchābhāge hayās tāṁ mahāvīryau bhrātarau pārthivau tadā | citraś ca citrasenaś ca mahatyā senayā vṛtau ||
Sañjaya said: Then, at the rear of that formation—where the horses were—there appeared two highly valorous royal brothers, Citra and Citrasena, surrounded by a great army. The verse underscores how, in war, even the seemingly peripheral positions of an array are deliberately secured by capable leaders, revealing the strategic and collective nature of responsibility on the battlefield.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights strategic duty in warfare: every segment of an army formation, even the rear, must be protected by competent leaders. It reflects the ethic of shared responsibility and disciplined organization rather than relying only on a few central champions.
Sañjaya reports that two royal brothers, Citra and Citrasena, arrive or take position at the rear section of the battle array—near the horses—accompanied by a large force, indicating reinforcement and careful guarding of the formation’s vulnerable end.