पश्यैतां पाण्डुपुत्राणामाचार्य महतीं चमूम्। व्यूढां द्रुपदपुत्रेण तव शिष्येण धीमता।।1.3।।
Duryodhana said: Respected teacher! Behold the mighty army of the sons of Pandu, so expertly arrayed for battle by your own gifted disciple, the son of Drupad.
Translation
Duryodhana spoke: O revered teacher! See the great military formation of the Pandavas, so strategically arranged by their commander-in-chief, Dhristadyumna, the son of Drupad and your own gifted disciple.
Word Meanings
paśya — behold etām — this pāṇḍu-putrānām — of the sons of Pāṇḍu ācārya — O teacher mahatīm — great camūm — military force vyūḍhām — arranged drupada-putreṇa — by the son of Drupada tava — your śiṣyeṇa — disciple dhī-matā — very intelligent
Understanding the Verse
In this verse, Duryodhana speaks to his teacher, Dronacharya, pointing out the skillful military formation of the Pandava army. He highlights the strategic prowess of Dhristadyumna, the commander of the Pandava forces, who is none other than the son of Drupad — Dronacharya’s former enemy and one of his own disciples. Duryodhana’s words are laced with subtle irony and veiled criticism. He is reminding Dronacharya of an important fact: Dhristadyumna, although Dronacharya’s disciple, was born with the sole purpose of avenging his father's defeat by killing Dronacharya. This knowledge was not hidden from Dronacharya, yet he had imparted his wisdom to Dhristadyumna with no bias, treating him like any other pupil. By calling attention to this fact, Duryodhana is strategically reminding Dronacharya of the potential danger that lies ahead. He subtly alludes to the curse or divine plan that would ultimately lead to Dronacharya's death at the hands of Dhristadyumna. Duryodhana's concern seems to be not just about the battle but also about ensuring that Dronacharya, who has so far shown leniency towards his disciples, doesn't hold back in the battlefield due to past affections or moral dilemmas. This verse is a combination of admiration and strategic manipulation, as Duryodhana tries to press Dronacharya to take the battle more seriously, without any emotional leniency for his former students.
