BG 1.7
Know also of the qualified generals on our side, who I will now recount to you.
नायका मम सैन्यस्य संज्ञार्थं तान्ब्रवीमि ते
Duryodhana now shifts the narrative perspective to the great warriors on his own side.
dwijottama
Duryodhana refers to Drona as dwijottama, which refers to a superior member of the brahmin class. Dvija (द्विज), which means "twice-born", refers to the Brahmin rite of passage which is considered a member's "second birth". The adjective uttama (उत्तम) qualifies the meaning to "best of the Brahmins".
-
अस्माकं
asmākaṁ — ours, for us
-
तु
tu — but
-
विशिष्टा
viśhiṣhṭā — distinguished, eminent, excellent
-
ये
ye — who
-
तान्निबोध
tānnibodha — take note of them
-
tān — them
-
nibodha — be informed, take note of
-
-
द्विजोत्तम
dvijottama — best of Brahmins
-
dvij — twice-born
From dvija (द्विज), meaning "twice born". Based on a belief that a person is first born physically, then reincarnated a second time for a spiritual purpose. -
ottama — best of
From uttama (उत्तम) "best of"
-
-
नायका
nāyakā — captains
-
मम
mama — mine
-
सैन्यस्य
sainyasya — of the army
-
संज्ञार्थ
sanjñārthaṁ — for your information
From saṁjñā, meaning cognition or perception where one grasps the distinguishing features or characteristics -
तान्ब्रवीमि
tānbravīmi — I am speaking them
-
tān — them
-
bravīmi — I am speaking
-
-
ते
te — to you
Know also of the qualified generals on our side, who I will now recount to you. We have leaders like you, Bhishma, Karna, Kripa, Ashvatthama, Vikarna, and Bhurishrava, who have many victories in battle. There are also many heroic warriors prepared to die for my cause. They are equipped with various weapons and are skilled in the art of warfare. Though our strength may be limited, it is protected by Grandsire Bhishma. Their strength, protected by Bhima, appears unlimited. Therefore all of you, stationed firmly in your respective positions, should protect Bhishma above all.
Similar verses
-
...so I may have a good look at those with whom I must fight in this great war.
- Verse 1.22
-
All these sons of Dhritarashtra and their allies, as well as the leading warriors on our side, ...
- Verse 11.26
-
There are also many heroic warriors prepared to die for my cause. They are equipped with various weapons and are skilled in the art of warfare.
- Verse 1.9
-
We have leaders like you, Bhishma, Karna, Kripa, Ashvatthama, Vikarna, and Bhurishrava, who have many victories in battle.
- Verse 1.8