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Bhagwad Gita (English) | Chapter 1 | Verse 7

Chapter 1, Verse 7

Observing the Armies on the Battlefield of Kuruksetra

O best of the brahmanas, for your information, let me tell you about the captains who are especially qualified to lead my military force.


Verse

अस्माकं तु विशिष्टा ये तान्निबोध द्विजोत्तम।
नायका मम सैन्यस्य संज्ञार्थं तान्ब्रवीमि ते।।1.7।।


asmākaṁ tu viśhiṣhṭā ye tānnibodha dwijottama
nāyakā mama sainyasya sanjñārthaṁ tānbravīmi te

Meaning of each word

asmākam — ours;
tu —
but;
viśhiṣhṭāḥ —
special;
ye —
who;
tān —
them;
nibodha —
be informed;
dwija-uttama —
best of Brahmnis;
nāyakāḥ —
principal generals;
mama —
our;
sainyasya —
of army;
sanjñā-artham —
for information;
tān —
them;
bravīmi —
I recount;
te —
unto you

Interpretation

In this verse, King Duryodhana is speaking to his teacher, who is a wise and respected figure. He addresses him as 'the best of the brahmanas,' which means he is showing respect to a learned person in his society. Duryodhana wants to share important information about the leaders of his army. He is saying that there are certain captains in his military who stand out and are particularly skilled in battle.

Duryodhana feels it's essential for his teacher to know about these key figures because their abilities will play a significant role in the coming fight. He acknowledges that these captains are specially qualified to lead the army, indicating that they have experience, bravery, and the skills necessary to guide the troops effectively during the battle.

In simpler terms, imagine a school project where a group of students is assigned tasks. Before the work begins, one student, as the group leader, might point out who among them is great at research, who is good at presenting, and who knows how to design posters. This way, everyone understands who will handle which part of the project best. Duryodhana is essentially doing the same thing but in a much more serious context, as they are preparing for a fierce battle instead of a school assignment.

By informing his teacher about his captains, Duryodhana is both strategizing and highlighting the strength of his army. He's preparing mentally for the battle ahead, ensuring he has the right people in the right roles to achieve victory.


Other Verses of Chapter 1
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