Shloka 31
Gāndhārī’s Battlefield Survey: The Fallen and the Onset of Funeral Rites (शल्य-भगीरथ-भीष्म-द्रोणादि-दर्शनम्)
धनुर्मष्टिरशीर्णश्व हस्तावापश्च माधव । द्रोणस्य निहतस्याजौ दृश्यते जीवतो यथा,माधव! युद्धमें मारे जानेपर भी द्रोणाचार्यके धनुषके साथ जुड़ी हुई मुट्ठी ढीली नहीं हुई है। दस्ताना भी ज्यों-का-त्यों दिखायी देता है, मानो वह जीवित पुरुषके हाथमें हो
dhanurmuṣṭir aśīrṇaśva-hastāvāpaś ca mādhava | droṇasya nihatasyaājau dṛśyate jīvato yathā ||
Vaiśampāyana berkata: “Wahai Mādhava, meskipun Droṇa telah terbunuh di medan perang, genggaman pada pemegang busurnya tidak mengendur; sarung tangan dan pelindung tangannya tampak persis seperti sediakala—seolah-olah masih di tangan orang yang hidup.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the haunting residue of violence: even after a great teacher-warrior is killed, the signs of disciplined martial readiness seem to persist. It deepens the ethical lament of the Strī Parva by showing how war dehumanizes and leaves behind disturbing images that intensify remorse and reflection on dharma.
Vaiśampāyana describes to Mādhava (Kṛṣṇa) a striking sight on the battlefield: Droṇa, though slain, still appears as if alive because his hand remains fixed on the bow-grip and the protective glove/guard looks unchanged. The description serves as a vivid detail in the post-battle scene of sorrow and shock.