|| vasudevasutaḿ devaḿ ||
|| kaḿsa-cāṇūra-mardanam ||
|| devakī-paramānandaḿ ||
|| kṛṣṇaḿ vande jagadgurum ||
The term Akshauhini, originating from Sanskrit, holds significant importance in the epic
Mahabharata. This term not only represents a unit of measurement for soldiers in ancient Indian
warfare but also signifies a specific battle formation used to overpower enemies.
The strength of a king was often gauged by the size and organization of their military, which typically comprised four main divisions: Chariots (Rathi), Elephants (Gaja), Cavalry (Ashva), and Infantry (Padhata).
Understanding Military Units
To grasp the scale of an Akshauhini, it is crucial to comprehend the foundational unit known as Patti.
The hierarchy of military organization is as follows:
- Patti: The smallest unit, comprising:
o 1 Ratha (Chariot)
o 1 Gaja (Elephant)
o 3 Ashva (Horses)
o 5 Padhata (Infantry)
o Ratio: 1:1:3:5 - Sena-Mukha: Comprising 3 Pattis.
- Gulma: Comprising 3 Sena-Mukhas.
- Gana: Comprising 3 Gulmas.
- Vahini: Comprising 3 Ganas.
- Pruthana: Comprising 3 Vahinis.
- Chama: Comprising 3 Pruthanas.
- Anikini: Comprising 3 Chamus.
- Akshauhini: Comprising 10 Anikinis.
Calculation of Soldiers in One Akshauhini
Based on this hierarchy, the total number of soldiers in one Akshauhini can be calculated:
Chariots: 21,870
Elephants: 21,870
Cavalry: 65,610
Infantry: 109,350
Thus, one Akshauhini consists of a total of 240,570 warriors.
Forces in the Mahabharata
In the context of the Mahabharata, the Kauravas commanded 11 Akshauhinis (2,405,700 warriors)
against the Pandavas, who had 7 Akshauhinis (1,530,900 warriors).
A deeper analysis reveals:
Kauravas:
o 240,570 Chariots
o 240,570 Elephants
o 721,710 Cavalry
o 1,202,850 Infantry
Pandavas:
o 153,090 Chariots
o 153,090 Elephants
o 459,270 Cavalry
o 765,450 Infantry
The Commanders
The commanders(senapattai) of the Kaurava forces were:
Bhishma: for the first 10 days
Drona: for 5 days
Karna: for 2 days
Shalya: for 1 day
Ashwatthama: for the final night of battle
The Pandavas were led by Dhrishtadyumna(senapattai) for the entirety of the 18-day war.
Strategic Formations
The Mahabharata mentions various battle formations, known as Vyuh Rachna. The Chakravyuh,(were Abhimanyu was killed) a prominent formation, was designed to encircle and eliminate enemy troops efficiently. Other formations included Krauncha Vyuha, Garuda Vyuha, and Mandala Vyuha.
A Pattern of Eighteens
Interestingly, a numerical pattern emerges with the counts of soldiers in various categories:
Chariots: 21,870 (2+1+8+7+0 = 18)
Elephants: 21,870 (2+1+8+7+0 = 18)
Cavalry: 65,610 (6+5+6+1+0 = 18)
Infantry: 109,350 (1+0+9+3+5 = 18)
Total Kaurava warriors: 2,405,700 (2+4+0+5+7+0+0 = 18)
Total Pandava warriors: 1,530,900 (1+5+3+0+9+0+0 = 18)
The Narayani Sena
At a crucial moment in the war, Lord Krishna provided the Kauravas with a contingent known as the
Narayani Sena, commanded by Kritavarma. This illustrates the strategic alliances and military
support systems in place during the conflict.
Cultural Influence
The concept of Patti also influenced the ancient game of Chaturanga, believed to have originated
during the Gupta Empire. This strategic game evolved into modern chess, emphasizing military
strategy and the roles of different units.
Conclusion
The intricacies of military organization in ancient India, as depicted in the Mahabharata, reveal a
sophisticated understanding of warfare. The meticulous structuring of armies and the strategies
employed reflect the advanced tactical knowledge of the time, highlighting a remarkable aspect of
historical military science.
–Anuj Binani
References:
Mahabharata (Aadi Parva)
The Gita by Roopa Pai
