Chapter 1, Verse 7
अस्माकं तु विशिष्टा ये तान्निबोध द्विजोत्तम। नायका मम सैन्यस्य संज्ञार्थं तान्ब्रवीमि ते।।
asmākaṁ tu viśiṣṭā ye tān nibodha dvijottama nāyakā mama sainyasya saṁjñārthaṁ tān bravīmi te
Meaning
Now, O best of the twice-born, let me tell you about the distinguished commanders on our side, for your information.
Word-by-Word Meaning
Explanation & Commentary
Having catalogued the enemy's strength, Duryodhana now turns to his own forces with a purposeful shift in tone. The phrase 'for your information' is revealing — he is trying to reassure Drona, and perhaps himself, by recounting the might of his own army. This is a classic move of a strategist under pressure: after acknowledging the threat, pivot quickly to assets.
Addressing Drona as 'best of the twice-born' (dvijottama) is a mark of respect that also serves Duryodhana's purpose — flattery keeps a key ally emotionally invested. In high-stakes situations, how leaders communicate with their generals reveals their underlying confidence or its absence.
This verse invites reflection on the speeches we make before difficult actions in our own lives. Are we cataloguing our resources to genuinely inform strategy, or are we reassuring ourselves? The honest answer to that question shapes whether what follows is wise action or wishful posturing.
💡 Key Takeaway
Before acting on a challenge, take honest stock of your strengths — not to boast, but to plan clearly.
Related Verses
धृतराष्ट्र उवाच | धर्मक्षेत्रे कुरुक्षेत्रे समवेता युयुत्सवः | मामकाः पाण्डवाश्चैव किमकुर्वत सञ्जय ॥१॥
dhṛtarāṣṭra uvāca | dharma-kṣetre kuru-kṣetre samavetā yuyutsavaḥ | māmakāḥ pāṇḍavāś caiva kim akurvata sañjaya ||1||
Dhritarashtra said: O Sanjaya, after assembling in the place of pilgrimage at Kurukshetra, what did my sons and the sons of Pandu do, being desirous to fight?
सञ्जय उवाच दृष्ट्वा तु पाण्डवानीकं व्यूढं दुर्योधनस्तदा। आचार्यमुपसङ्गम्य राजा वचनमब्रवीत्।।
sañjaya uvāca dṛṣṭvā tu pāṇḍavānīkaṁ vyūḍhaṁ duryodhanas tadā ācāryam upasaṅgamya rājā vacanam abravīt
Sanjaya said: Having seen the army of the Pandavas arrayed in battle formation, King Duryodhana then approached his teacher Drona and spoke these words.
पश्यैतां पाण्डुपुत्राणामाचार्य महतीं चमूम्। व्यूढां द्रुपदपुत्रेण तव शिष्येण धीमता।।
paśyaitāṁ pāṇḍu-putrāṇām ācārya mahatīṁ camūm vyūḍhāṁ drupada-putreṇa tava śiṣyeṇa dhīmatā
O teacher, behold this mighty army of the sons of Pandu, so skilfully arrayed by the son of Drupada — your own talented student.