Shloka 38
Karṇa-parva Adhyāya 20 — Yudhiṣṭhira–Duryodhana Encounter and Escalation of Arms
अश्चवारोहा: समासाद्य त्वरिता: पत्तिभिहता:
aśvavārohāḥ samāsādya tvaritāḥ pattibhihatāḥ
Sañjaya disse: Os guerreiros montados, ao investirem para o combate, foram rapidamente abatidos pelos infantes. O verso ressalta que, no caos da batalha, nem a velocidade nem o posto garantem proteção quando uma infantaria disciplinada enfrenta a cavalaria a curta distância.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Martial advantage is unstable: speed, status, or mounted strength can be overturned when opponents act with resolve and coordination. The verse implicitly points to the ethical gravity of war—human lives are cut down quickly, reminding the listener of the harsh consequences set in motion by conflict.
In Sañjaya’s battlefield report, cavalrymen rush forward to engage, but as they close in they are struck down by infantry. It depicts a moment where foot-soldiers successfully repel or kill mounted attackers at close range.