Friday, 10 July 2015

Military Formations in Mahabharatha

At various times during battle, the supreme commander of either army ordered special formations(vyuhas). Each formation had a specific purpose; some were defensive while others were offensive. Each formation had its specific strengths and weaknesses. The Mahābhārata lists the following:
  1. Krauncha vyuha(heron formation)
  2. Makara vyuha(crocodile formation)
  3. Kurma vyuha(tortoise or turtle formation)
  4. Trishula vyuha(trident formation)
  5. Chakrvyuha(wheel or discus formation)
  6. Kamala vyuha or Padma vyuha(lotus formation)
  7. Garud vyuha(eagle formation)
  8. Oormi vyuha(ocean formation)
  9. Mandala vyuha(galaxy formation)
  10. Vajra vyuha(diamond or thunderbolt formation)
  11. Shakata vyuha(box or cart formation)
  12. Asura vyuha(demon formation)
  13. Deva vyuha(divine formation)
  14. Soochi vyuha(needle formation)
  15. Sringataka vyuha(horned formation)
  16. Chandrakala vyuha(crescent or curved blade formation)
  17. Mala vyuha(garland formation)

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