Dhritarashtra’s query is not just a request for information, but it reveals his internal anxiety and partiality towards his sons. Symbolically, his blindness to dharma becomes evident as the narrative unfolds, setting up the tension between righteousness and attachment that Bhagavad Gita will explore.

This verse introduces Duryodhana’s reaction to the opposing army. His approach to Dronacharya, the teacher, signifies his dependence on his mentor, foreshadowing the respect he holds for authority figures, despite his own ego and ambition.

Duryodhana lists the mighty warriors in the Pandava army, attempting to show his teacher the strength of their opponents. The comparison of these warriors to Bhima and Arjuna, the greatest fighters in the Pandava camp, underscores the formidable challenge the Kauravas are about to face.

Duryodhana continues to describe the formidable warriors in the Pandava army. His detailed assessment of the opposing forces demonstrates his awareness of their strength, yet his tone suggests a combination of respect and apprehension.

Duryodhana acknowledges the younger generation of warriors, including Abhimanyu and the sons of Draupadi, noting their prominence on the battlefield. By calling them “mahārathāḥ,” he recognizes that even these relatively younger warriors are skilled and seasoned fighters.