Shloka 16
Bhīṣma’s Appraisal of Kaurava Champions (भीष्मकृतः रथिनां गुणनिरूपणम्)
पितामहो हि कुशल: परेषामात्मनस्तथा | श्रोतुमिच्छाम्यहं सर्वे: सहैभिर्वसुधाधिपै:
pitāmaho hi kuśalaḥ pareṣām ātmanaḥ tathā | śrotum icchāmy ahaṃ sarvaiḥ sahaibhir vasudhādhipaiḥ ||
Wika ni Duryodhana: “Tunay ngang ganap na bihasa ang Lolo Bhīṣma—batid niya ang lakas ng kaaway at gayundin ang atin. Kaya nais kong marinig ito mula sa iyo, sa harap ng lahat ng haring ito: isang malinaw na salaysay tungkol sa mga mandirigmang-karwahe at sa mga dakilang mandirigmang-karwahe ng magkabilang panig.”
दुर्योधन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Competent leadership seeks accurate knowledge before action: Duryodhana acknowledges Bhīṣma’s expertise in assessing both sides. Ethically, the verse highlights the value of informed counsel, even though the larger narrative shows that knowledge alone does not ensure righteous choice.
On the eve of conflict, Duryodhana addresses Bhīṣma and asks him—before the assembled kings—to state what he knows about the opposing and allied forces, i.e., the relative strength and notable warriors on each side.