Mahabharata — Bhishma Parva, Shloka 75
Droṇa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna-yuddha (द्रोण-धृष्टद्युम्न-युद्धम्) — Tactical duel and allied interventions
कुन्तिभोजसुतश्चापि विन्दं विव्याध सायकै: । सचतं प्रतिविव्याध तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्
sañjaya uvāca |
kuntibhojasutaś cāpi vindaṁ vivyādha sāyakaiḥ |
sa cataṁ prativivyādha tad adbhutam ivābhavat ||
सञ्जय उवाच—कुन्तिभोजसुतश्चापि विन्दं विव्याध सायकैः। स च तं प्रतिविव्याध तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ethos of facing force with force in a regulated combat setting: courage, readiness, and immediate response. Ethically, it underscores reciprocity and accountability in battle—actions invite consequences—while also admiring disciplined martial prowess rather than cruelty.
Sañjaya describes a brief duel: the son of Kuntibhoja wounds Vinda with arrows, and Vinda immediately retaliates, grievously wounding him. The rapid, evenly matched exchange is portrayed as astonishing amid the larger war.