The Princes Display Their Martial Prowess to the Assembly
Led by Yudhishthira, the princes enter the arena and begin an astonishing exhibition of skill with every kind of weapon, from bows and chariots to swords and shields, amazing the vast crowd and drawing thunderous applause.
The mighty bulls of the Bharata lineage tightened their lower garments and entered the arena, equipped with bows, quivers, and finger protectors. With Yudhishthira leading the way, the princes began to display their great valour and wonderful skills in the use of weapons, performing in order of their age.
They shot arrows that pierced targets, each arrow engraved with the shooter's name. They rode fleet-footed horses with consummate skill. The crowd's reaction was split: some spectators lowered their heads, concerned that stray arrows might fall on them, while others looked on in wonder and amazement, utterly unconcerned. To those watching, the princes' strength and grace with bow and arrow were so extraordinary that the arena seemed transformed into a city of the gandharvas (celestial musicians).
Hundreds and thousands of men, their eyes wide with wonder, cheered them on. After repeatedly demonstrating their skill with bows, arrows, chariots, and in fighting from the backs of elephants and horses, the strong princes then picked up swords and shields. They began to circle one another on the ground, exhibiting the various modes of attack and defense with a blade. The assembly witnessed their agility, beauty, symmetry, balance, firmness of grasp, and total mastery over sword and shield. The display was a complete success, a vivid testament to Drona's training and the princes' own innate prowess.