Shloka 34
Karṇa-parva Adhyāya 19 — Saṃśaptaka–Trigarta Assault and Aindra-astra Counter
तस्य नानदतः केतुं चन्दनागुरुरूषितम् | मलयप्रतिम॑ द्रौणिश्कछित्त्वाश्चांश्वतुरो5>हनत्,उस समय द्रोणकुमार अभ्वत्थामाने बारंबार गर्जना करते हुए पाण्ड्यके मलयाचल- सदृश ऊँचे तथा चन्दन और अगुरुसे चर्चित ध्वजको काटकर उनके चारों घोड़ोंको भी मार डाला
tasya nānadataḥ ketuṁ candanāgururūṣitam | malayapratimaṁ drauṇiś chittvā cāśvān caturō 'hanat ||
Sañjaya said: As he roared again and again, Droṇa’s son (Aśvatthāman) cut down his banner, fragrant with sandal and agaru and towering like Mount Malaya; and he also slew his four horses. The scene underscores the ruthless momentum of battle, where symbols of honor (the standard) and the very means of mobility (the horses) are deliberately destroyed to break an opponent’s strength and morale.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how war targets not only bodies but also symbols and supports: cutting the standard and killing the horses is a tactical and psychological blow. Ethically, it reflects the harsh reality of kṣatriya warfare where victory often comes through disabling an enemy’s capacity and morale, raising questions about the cost of martial duty.
Aśvatthāman, roaring fiercely, strikes at an opponent’s chariot-force by cutting down the perfumed, lofty banner likened to Mount Malaya and then killing the four horses, effectively crippling the enemy’s chariot and battlefield presence.