Shloka 44
अध्याय ४ — दुर्योधनस्य असंधि-निश्चयः
Duryodhana’s Refusal of Reconciliation
ते वयं पाण्डुपुत्रेभ्यो हीना सम बलशक्तित: । तदत्र पाण्डवै: सार्ध सन्धिं मन्ये क्षमं प्रभो,“हमलोग बल और शक्तिमें पाण्डवोंसे हीन हो गये हैं। अतः प्रभो! इस अवस्थामें पाण्डवोंके साथ संधि कर लेना ही उचित समझता हूँ
te vayaṃ pāṇḍuputrebhyo hīnāḥ sama-bala-śaktitaḥ | tad atra pāṇḍavaiḥ sārdhaṃ sandhiṃ manye kṣamaṃ prabho ||
Sañjaya said: “We have become inferior to the sons of Pāṇḍu in equal measure of strength and power. Therefore, O lord, in this situation I judge it proper to make a treaty with the Pāṇḍavas.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
When one’s side is clearly weakened, ethical and prudent governance favors seeking peace (sandhi) over prolonging destructive conflict; realism and responsibility can outweigh pride.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that the Kaurava side has become inferior in strength and capability compared to the Pāṇḍavas, and he advises that making a treaty with them is the most fitting course now.