Shloka 22
उपायधर्म-सेनायोगः
Upāya-dharma and Senāyoga: Expedient Ethics & Army Deployment
अपडूका गर्तरहिता रथभूमि: प्रशस्यते । नीचद्रुमा महाकक्षा सोदका हस्तियोधिनाम्,रथसेनाके लिये वह भूमि अच्छी मानी गयी है, जहाँ कीचड़ और गड्ढे न हों। जिस भूमिमें नाटे वृक्ष, बहुत-से घास-फ़्स और जलाशय हों, वह गजारोही योद्धाओंके लिये अच्छी मानी गयी है
apadūkā gartarahitā rathabhūmiḥ praśasyate | nīcadrumā mahākakṣā sodakā hastiyodhinām ||
Disse Bhīṣma: Louva-se como próprio para carros o campo de batalha que está livre de lama e de covas. Mas, para os guerreiros de elefantes, o terreno recomendável é aquele que tem árvores baixas, largas faixas de relva e mato, e é provido de água — um solo capaz de sustentar os elefantes e permitir seu movimento na guerra.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma teaches practical discernment in warfare: different arms (chariots vs. elephants) require different terrain. Good leadership includes choosing ground that matches one’s forces, minimizing avoidable risk and maximizing effectiveness.
In Śānti Parva’s instruction on governance and statecraft, Bhīṣma advises on military preparedness. Here he specifies what kind of land is considered suitable for deploying chariot troops and elephant troops.