Shloka 60
Karna Reproves Shalya; Brahmin Reports on Bāhlīkas; Shalya’s Universalizing Rebuttal (कर्ण–शल्य संवादः)
रथाश्न मुख्या राजेन्द्र युक्ता वाजिभिरुत्तमै: । अयान्तु पश्चात् सततं मामेव भरतर्षभ,राजेन्द्र! भरतश्रेष्ठ! उत्तम घोड़ोंसे जुते हुए अच्छे-अच्छे रथ सदा मेरे पीछे चलते रहें
rathāśvā mukhyā rājendra yuktā vājibhir uttamaiḥ | ayāntu paścāt satataṃ mām eva bharatarṣabha ||
कर्ण म्हणाला—राजेंद्र! भरतश्रेष्ठ! उत्तम घोड्यांनी जुतेले श्रेष्ठ रथ सदैव माझ्याच मागे येत राहोत.
कर्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes disciplined coordination and clear hierarchy in action: in a crisis like war, steadfast duty is supported by orderly followership and strategic positioning rather than confusion or divided command.
Karna addresses a kingly ally/leader and instructs that the best chariots, drawn by excellent horses, should continually move behind him—indicating a tactical arrangement and asserting his lead role in the immediate battle formation.