Shloka 16
भीष्मकृतः पाण्डवपक्ष-महारथ-प्रशंसा
Bhishma’s appraisal of Pandava-aligned chariot-warriors
न हायनैर्न पलितैर्न वित्तैर्न च बन्धुभि: । महारथत्वं संख्यातुं शक्यं क्षत्रस्य कौरव
na hāyanair na palitair vittair na ca bandhubhiḥ | mahārathatvaṃ saṅkhyātuṃ śakyaṃ kṣatrasya kaurava ||
Bhishma sprach: „O Kaurava, ein Kshatriya kann nicht allein deshalb als ‘Mahāratha’ gelten, weil er in Jahren vorangeschritten ist, weil sein Haar ergraut ist, weil er großen Reichtum angehäuft hat oder weil ihn viele Verwandte stützen.“
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma teaches that true greatness in a warrior (mahāratha status) is not determined by external markers—age, grey hair, wealth, or numerous relatives—but by genuine capability and proven excellence; ethical judgment should prioritize merit over appearance and social advantage.
In the Udyoga Parva’s pre-war counsel, Bhishma addresses a Kaurava and cautions against overestimating a kshatriya’s rank based on seniority, riches, or family backing, urging a more truthful assessment of martial strength and worth as tensions move toward war.