King Dhritarashtra, the blind king of the Kuru dynasty, inquires from his minister Sanjaya about the activities of his sons (the Kauravas) and the sons of Pandu (the Pandavas) on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

Dhritarashtra's inquiry reflects his deep concern and anxiety about the impending battle between his sons and the Pandavas. Being blind, he relies on Sanjaya to narrate the events taking place on the battlefield to him. The names mentioned in this verse - Dhritaketu, Chekitana, Kashi Raj, Viryavan, Purujit, Kuntibhoja, and Shaibya - refer to various warriors from both the Kaurava and Pandava armies who assembled on the battlefield, ready to engage in combat. These warriors were renowned for their valor and prowess in battle.

By asking about the actions of his sons and the Pandavas, Dhritarashtra seeks to gain insight into the unfolding events of the battle. His question reveals his inner turmoil and conflict as a father torn between his love for his own sons and his duty as a king. Overall, this verse sets the stage for the epic battle of Kurukshetra and highlights the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals caught in the midst of conflict and duty. It serves as an introduction to the larger narrative of the Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna imparts timeless wisdom and guidance to the warrior Arjuna in the midst of the battlefield.