Then suddenly conchshells, drums, kettledrums, cymbals, and horns resounded; and that sound became tumultuous

The martial symphony begins. The list of instruments covers the entire sonic range: śaṅkhāḥ (conchshells, high and clear tones), bheryaḥ (large war drums), paṇavaḥ (small hand drums), ānakaḥ (cymbals or gongs), and gomukhāḥ (horns with mouthpieces shaped like cow mouths).

The adverb sahasā (suddenly, instantly) marks the transition from silence to chaos. Tumulaḥ is not simply “noisy” but “tumultuous,” “overflowing,” “in confusion” — a term that anticipates the emotional disorder that will soon affect Arjuna.