Shloka 22
उपायधर्म-सेनायोगः
Upāya-dharma and Senāyoga: Expedient Ethics & Army Deployment
अपडूका गर्तरहिता रथभूमि: प्रशस्यते । नीचद्रुमा महाकक्षा सोदका हस्तियोधिनाम्
apadūkā gartarahitā rathabhūmiḥ praśasyate | nīcadrumā mahākakṣā sodakā hastiyodhinām ||
Bhīṣma said: A battlefield fit for chariots is praised as one that is free from mire and pits. But for elephant-warriors, the commendable ground is that which has low trees, broad stretches of grass and brush, and is supplied with water—terrain suited to sustaining elephants and enabling their movement in war.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma teaches practical discernment in warfare: different arms (chariots vs. elephants) require different terrain. Good leadership includes choosing ground that matches one’s forces, minimizing avoidable risk and maximizing effectiveness.
In Śānti Parva’s instruction on governance and statecraft, Bhīṣma advises on military preparedness. Here he specifies what kind of land is considered suitable for deploying chariot troops and elephant troops.