Shloka 19
Droṇasya raudra-prayogaḥ
Droṇa’s intensified assault and the Pāṇḍava response
न भीष्मव्यसनं कश्रिद् दृष्टया कर्णममन्यत
na bhīṣmavyasanaṃ kaścid dṛṣṭvā karṇam amanyata
सञ्जय उवाच—कर्णं दृष्ट्वा न कश्चिद् भीष्मव्यसनं निर्णायकममन्यत; तस्य पतनं न तेषां कौरवकार्यस्यान्त इवाभात्, कर्णसन्निधानेन पुनरुत्थापितो हि तेषां विश्वासः।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how collective judgment in war is shaped by perceived leadership and capability: a severe loss (Bhīṣma’s downfall) may not be treated as final when a formidable figure (Karṇa) stands ready, showing the ethical and psychological dimension of confidence, dependence on champions, and the instability of worldly assessments.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that, after Bhīṣma’s misfortune, the Kaurava side did not view the setback as conclusive because they saw Karṇa—implying renewed hope and readiness to continue the battle under new martial strength.