The Social and Military Position of the Ruling Caste in Ancient India, as Represented by the Sanskrit Epic c2.s5.98

c2.s5.98

§ In regard to the title *yūthapa* compare vii. 193. 49, *rathayūthapa-yūthapaḥ*; and v. 167. 14, *rathayūthapayūthānāṁ yūthapo ‘yam*. The one hundred and sixty-fifth section of the fifth book begins the list of *rathi* (ratha), *atiratha*, *mahāratha*, terms applied loosely to denote, not technical distinctions between the generals, but their comparative ability in leading the forces and slaying foes. The terms mean that such a one is either a ‘good charioteer,’ or a ‘superior charioteer,’ or a ‘surpassingly good charioteer.’