Shloka 35
भीमसेनस्य वेगाभिपातः—विशोकसारथिसंवादश्च
Bhīma’s surge and dialogue with charioteer Viśoka
एवमुक्तो महाराज द्रोणपुत्र: स्मयन्निव
evam ukto mahārāja droṇaputraḥ smayann iva
महाराज! असे ऐकून द्रोणपुत्र जणू मंद, किंचित उपहासयुक्त स्मित करीत होता।
(युधिष्टिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how inner disposition reveals itself in crisis: a seemingly slight smile can signal pride, contempt, or calculated resolve. In the Mahābhārata’s ethical landscape, such cues foreshadow choices that may diverge from dharma when anger, wounded honor, or ambition dominate.
After being spoken to ‘in this manner,’ Droṇa’s son Aśvatthāmā is described as smiling as if in derision or self-assurance. The line functions as a narrative transition, marking his reaction before he speaks or acts further in the unfolding battle episode.