Shloka 38
Śalya’s Objection to Sārathya and Duryodhana’s Conciliation (शल्यमन्यु-प्रशमनम् / Sārathyāṅgīkāra)
ततः कर्णो महाराज धनुश्छित्त्वा महात्मन: । सारथिं पातयामास रथनीडाद्धसन्निव,महाराज! तदनन्तर हँसते हुए-से कर्णने महामना नकुलका धनुष काटकर उनके सारथिको रथकी बैठकसे मार गिराया
tataḥ karṇo mahārāja dhanuś chittvā mahātmanaḥ | sārathiṁ pātayāmāsa rathanīḍād dhāsann iva ||
ततः कर्णो महाराज धनुश्छित्त्वा महात्मनः । सारथिं पातयामास रथनीडाद्धसन्निव ॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a battlefield ethic where victory is pursued by neutralizing an opponent’s means of fighting—first the weapon, then the chariot’s support (the charioteer). It invites reflection on how kṣatriya-duty in war can prioritize effectiveness over gentleness, and how quickly conflict can intensify beyond striking only the principal combatant.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Karṇa severs Nakula’s bow and then knocks down Nakula’s charioteer from the chariot-seat, describing Karṇa’s action as if done with a laugh or smile—signaling confidence and dominance in that exchange.