Shloka 18
Udyoga-parva Adhyāya 165 — Bhīṣma’s Appraisal and Karṇa’s Rebuttal (भीष्म–कर्ण विवादः)
बृहद्धलस्तथा राजा कौसल्यो रथसत्तम: । रथो मम मतस्तात महावेगपराक्रम:,तात! महान् वेग और पराक्रमसे सम्पन्न कोसलदेशके राजा बृहद्बल भी मेरी दृष्टिमें एक रथी हैं और रथियोंमें इनका स्थान बहुत ऊँचा है
Bṛhaddhalas tathā rājā Kausalyo rathasattamaḥ | ratho mama matas tāta mahāvegaparākramaḥ ||
Bhīṣma nói: “Cũng vậy, Bṛhaddhala, vua xứ Kosala—một chiến xa thiện nghệ—hỡi con, theo ta, phải được kể vào hàng những ratha bậc nhất. Người ấy có tốc lực lớn và dũng lực anh hùng.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the Kṣatriya ideal of recognizing merit in battle: Bhīṣma evaluates warriors by tangible qualities—speed, strength, and valor—emphasizing fair appraisal and respect for capability even amid impending conflict.
In the Udyoga Parva’s preparations for war, Bhīṣma is describing and ranking notable fighters. Here he names Bṛhaddhala of Kosala and counts him among the high-class chariot-warriors (rathas), praising his great speed and prowess.