Shloka 43
Somadatta–Sātyaki Engagement; Bhīma’s Interventions; Droṇa–Yudhiṣṭhira Astra Exchange
Book 7, Chapter 132
भड्वक्त्वा रथं स पुत्रस्ते हताश्वो हतसारथि: । मद्रराजरथं तूर्णमारुरोह परंतप:,इस प्रकार उस रथको तोड़-फोड़कर घोड़ों और सारथिसे हीन हुआ शत्रुसंतापी दुर्योधन शीघ्र ही मद्रराज शल्यके रथपर जा चढ़ा
bhaṅktvā rathaṃ sa putras te hatāśvo hatasārathiḥ | madrarājarathaṃ tūrṇam āruroha paraṃtapaḥ ||
भङ्क्त्वा रथं स पुत्रस्ते हताश्वो हतसारथिः । मद्रराजरथं तूर्णमारुरोह परंतपः ॥
द्रोण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in the heat of war, determination and pride can override loss and prudence: even after losing the very supports of battle (horses and charioteer), a warrior immediately seeks another vehicle to continue. Ethically, it reflects the Mahābhārata’s recurring warning that unchecked resolve in adharma-driven conflict sustains and intensifies suffering.
Droṇa describes that Duryodhana’s chariot has been shattered and he is left without horses and charioteer; nevertheless, Duryodhana quickly climbs onto the chariot of Śalya, the king of Madra, to re-enter the fight.