Shloka 17
Bhīṣma’s Appraisal of Kaurava Champions (भीष्मकृतः रथिनां गुणनिरूपणम्)
भीष्म उवाच गान्धारे शृणु राजेन्द्र रथसंख्यां स्वके बले । ये रथा: पृथिवीपाल तथैवातिरथाश्न ये,भीष्म बोले--राजेन्द्र गान्धारीनन्दन! तुम अपनी सेनाके रथियोंकी संख्या श्रवण करो। भूपाल! तुम्हारी सेनामें जो रथी और अतिरथी हैं, उन सबका वर्णन करता हूँ
bhīṣma uvāca gāndhāre śṛṇu rājendra rathasaṅkhyāṃ svake bale | ye rathāḥ pṛthivīpāla tathaivātirathāś ca ye ||
Bhīṣma said: “O son of Gāndhārī, O lord of kings, listen to the count of the chariot-warriors in your own army. O protector of the earth, I shall describe those who are chariot-fighters and those who are great chariot-fighters (atirathas) among your forces.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights responsible leadership in war: a ruler must know the true strength and graded capabilities of his forces. Clear assessment and truthful counsel are part of kshatriya duty, especially when decisions carry ethical and societal consequences.
In the Udyoga Parva’s war-preparation context, Bhishma addresses Duryodhana and begins enumerating the Kaurava side’s chariot-warriors, distinguishing between rathas and atirathas as part of a formal assessment of military strength.