Bhavan Bhishmash Cha Karnash Cha

Now comes the Kaurava roll call. Duryodhana names seven pillars of his army: Drona himself, Bhishma, Karna, Kripacharya, Ashvatthama, Vikarna, and Bhurishrava. These are formidable names, each one a legend of the Mahabharata.

Bhishma had the boon of choosing his own moment of death. Karna, the son of Surya, was an archer equal to Arjuna. Kripacharya is considered immortal (chiranjeevi). Ashvatthama, Drona's own son, was an immensely powerful warrior. Any one of them could change the course of a battle.

Duryodhana places Drona first in the list with the word "Bhavan" (yourself). It is a shrewd piece of flattery: "You are our greatest strength." This is the language of a leader working to fire up his generals before the fight begins.

Each of the seven warriors named here plays a crucial role in the Mahabharata war. Bhishma, Drona, and Karna served as successive commanders of the Kaurava army, each falling before the next took charge.

Vikarna's mention is interesting. He was one of Dhritarashtra's hundred sons, but he had publicly objected during the humiliation of Draupadi. Despite his personal misgivings, he fought on the Kaurava side out of duty to his family.