War in Ancient India c9.s4.24

c9.s4.24

Strategy and tactics could be used with effect both in righteous and unrighteous warfare. Nowhere else is the application of these arrays so practically illustrated as in the Great War. In the *Mahābhārata* war Bhīṣma has recourse to different vyūhas on different days.⁸⁵ The army of the Kurus consisted of eleven Akṣauhiṇīs while that of the Pāṇḍavas had only seven. Seeing himself numerically inferior, but backed by the superior strategy and experience, Yudhiṣṭhira advises Arjuna to form a pin-like array as it was decisive in battles where a few had to fight against many. Its other advantage was that it was capable of expansion, when necessary. But Arjuna in reply expresses his desire to form that impenetrable array called vajra with Bhīma as its leader and king Virāṭa in the rear and the whole protected by himself. For it has the great advantage of facing all directions.⁸⁶ Śveta and Bhīṣma exchange winged arrows. Then the former cuts off his bow with his sword. But in the evening Śveta is killed by Bhīṣma.⁸⁷ The next day Dhṛṣṭadyumna is appointed commander and a krauñcāruṇa vyūha is formed. Arjuna is the leader of the vanguard. Drupada is its head and king Kuntibhoja and Caidya are its two eyes. A few kings were placed on its neck. Yudhiṣṭhira with his retinue takes a position at the rear. Bhīma, Sātyaki, and other horsemen constitute its right wing. Nakula and Sahadeva occupy the left wing. For to concentrate on the flanks is one of the unwritten principles of cavalry tactics.⁸⁷ᵃ On the joints of the wings are stationed elephants and car warriors as well as on the head, the back and the neck. The rear is protected by Virāṭa.⁸⁸ Bhīṣma forms a counter array and blows his conch. Arrows, swords and battle-axes are used in succession. Arjuna fights with Bhīṣma, and Droṇa with Dhṛṣṭadyumna. Bhīṣma kills the Kalinga prince and his soldiers.⁸⁹