Shloka 21
धृतराष्ट्र-संजय-संवादः — दुर्योधनस्य ह्रदप्रवेशः
Dhṛtarāṣṭra–Saṃjaya Dialogue: Duryodhana’s Entry into the Lake
प्रभग्नानथ तान् दृष्टवा राजा दुर्योधनो<ब्रवीत्
prabhagnān atha tān dṛṣṭvā rājā duryodhano 'bravīt
Sañjaya said: Seeing those troops shattered and in disarray, King Duryodhana spoke—his words arising from the pressure of war and the moral strain of leadership amid collapse.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical burden of rulership in war: a leader must respond when forces collapse, and speech becomes an instrument of responsibility—either to restore order through dharma-aligned resolve or to deepen ruin through anger and delusion.
Sañjaya reports that Duryodhana observes his side’s warriors broken and scattered; in response to this setback, he begins to speak, setting up the next lines where his reaction and commands will shape the unfolding battle.