Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 7

Chapter 1 – Arjuna Vishada Yoga · Speaker: Sanjaya

Sanskrit verse

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

Transliteration

asmākaṃ tu viśiṣṭā ye tānnibodha dvijottama .
nāyakā mama sainyasya saṃjñārthaṃ tānbravīmi te ॥

Meaning

But know also, O best of the twice-born, those who are distinguished among us, the leaders of my army; I name them for your information.

Word meanings

अस्माकम् – of ours, on our side
तु – but, also
विशिष्टाः – distinguished, foremost
ये – who
तान् – them
निबोध – know, take note of
द्विजोत्तम – O best of the twice-born (brahmanas)
नायकाः – leaders, commanders
मम – my
सैन्यस्य – of the army
संज्ञार्थम् – for information
ब्रवीमि – I speak, I name
ते – to you

Anvaya (word order)

द्विजोत्तम, अस्माकं तु ये विशिष्टाः मम सैन्यस्य नायकाः, तान् निबोध; ते संज्ञार्थं तान् ब्रवीमि ।

Explanation

Having spoken of the Pandava army, Duryodhana now turns to his own. His form of address, dvijottama, 'best of the twice-born', is both respectful and pointed. Drona was a brahmana by birth who had taken up the warrior's calling. Some commentators feel Duryodhana is hinting that brahmanas are by nature soft-hearted, and that the teacher must not let his affection for the Pandavas weaken his resolve.

The address is also flattery. A moment earlier he provoked Drona by reminding him of his pupil Dhrishtadyumna; now he praises him to win him over. Like a seasoned politician, he uses both pressure and praise.

The word samjnartham, 'for your information', is revealing. Drona knew the commanders of his own army perfectly well and had no need to be told their names. In truth Duryodhana is reciting them to reassure himself. The strength of the Pandava army has stirred fear in him, and he tries to quieten it by calling out the names of his own champions.

In mama sainyasya, 'my army', we hear again the possessiveness and pride that sounded in Dhritarashtra's mamakah. Father and son are both bound by the sense of 'mine'.

Context

After describing the great warriors of the Pandava side in verses 4-6, Duryodhana here prepares to introduce the leaders of his own army. In the next verse he names Bhishma, Karna, Kripa and others.

Life lesson

Inner fear often drives us to count our own strengths over and over. Real confidence comes not from display or flattery but from steady commitment to one's duty.

Key terms

Dvijottama: best of the twice-born; here an address to Drona
Nayaka: a leader or commander of an army
Samjnartha: for information or remembrance