Shloka 40
Somadatta–Sātyaki Engagement; Bhīma’s Interventions; Droṇa–Yudhiṣṭhira Astra Exchange
Book 7, Chapter 132
हताश्वसूतात् स रथादवतीर्य नराधिप: । गदामादाय ते पुत्र: पाज्चाल्यावभ्यधावत,घोड़े और सारथिके मारे जानेपर आपका पुत्र राजा दुर्योधन रथसे उतर पड़ा और गदा हाथमें लेकर पांचाल देशके उन दोनों वीरोंकी ओर दौड़ा
hatāśvasūtāt sa rathād avatīrya narādhipaḥ | gadām ādāya te putraḥ pāñcālyāv abhyadhāvat ||
हताश्वसूतात् स रथादवतीर्य नराधिपः। गदामादाय ते पुत्रः पाञ्चाल्यावभ्यधावत॥
द्रोण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a Kṣatriya ideal: even when the usual instruments of war (chariot, horses, charioteer) are lost, a warrior-leader is expected to stand his ground and continue the fight. Ethically, it frames perseverance and personal responsibility in battle, while also hinting at the tragic momentum of violence that drives leaders to ever more direct confrontation.
After Duryodhana’s horses and charioteer are killed, he gets down from the chariot, takes up a mace, and rushes toward two Pāñcāla heroes. Droṇa reports this to Dhṛtarāṣṭra, emphasizing Duryodhana’s immediate, aggressive response despite a tactical setback.