Shloka 8
द्रुपदवाक्यं
Drupada’s Counsel on Conciliation and Alliance Mobilization
शल्यस्य धृष्टकेतो श्व जयत्सेनस्य वा विभो | केकयानां च सर्वेषां दूता गच्छन्तु शीघ्रगा:,भगवन्! हमारे शीघ्रगामी दूत शल्य, धृष्टकेतु, जयत्सेन और समस्त केकय राजकुमारोंके पास जायाँ
śalyasya dhṛṣṭaketor vā jayatsenasya vā vibho | kekayānāṃ ca sarveṣāṃ dūtā gacchantu śīghragāḥ ||
Drupada berkata: “Wahai yang perkasa, biarlah utusan-utusan kita yang pantas segera pergi—kepada Śalya, kepada Dhṛṣṭaketu, kepada Jayatsena, dan kepada semua putera raja Kekaya.”
दुपद उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler’s dharma includes timely diplomacy: mobilizing trusted envoys to secure allies and support before a crisis escalates into war, emphasizing foresight, coordination, and responsible statecraft.
In the Udyoga Parva’s pre-war preparations, Drupada orders swift messengers to be dispatched to key figures—Śalya, Dhṛṣṭaketu, Jayatsena, and the Kekaya princes—seeking their presence or assistance as alliances are being consolidated.