War in Ancient India c8.s1.6

c8.s1.6

When we pass on to the epoch of the Epics, we notice a slight change in the title. The Senāni becomes the Senāpati.⁵¹ Next to him in rank were Senāpraṇetaras.⁵² Each of these was the commander of one Akṣauhini. In the battle of Kurukṣetra, Drupada, Virāṭa and Dhṛṣṭadyumna, Śikhaṇḍin, Sātyaki, Cekitāna, and Bhīmasena were respectively leaders of the seven akṣauhinīs of the Pāṇḍava host. From among themselves one was selected by the War Council to be Commander-in-Chief. A great discussion ensued, and finally Dhṛṣṭadyumna was chosen. On the other side Bhīṣma became the senāpati.⁵³ The election of the senāpati over, it was the practice of the elected candidate to address a few words to the War Council presided over by the king. Bhīṣma’s address to the War Council of Duryodhana may be cited as an illustration. He says: “I offer my prayers to Devasenāpati Subrahmaṇya and accept with pleasure the responsibility of the chief commander thrown upon me to-day. Being versed in the art and science of war I know how to direct soldiers of different grades, bhṛtan and abhṛtan. Know me to be Bṛhaspati in both strategical and tactical modes of warfare. I am versed in all kinds of military arrays, Daiva, Gāndharva, and Mānuṣa. I shall use them against the Pāṇḍavas. Oh! King, give up all fear. I shall fight the enemy and protect your army. Let thy heart’s fever be dispelled.”⁵⁴