Vyuh (Sanskrit: व्यूह) means - 'to arrange troops in a battle array', 'to arrange, put or place in order, to dispose, separate, divide, alter, transpose, disarrange, resolve.
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 Mahabharat 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)
Each formation was met bya counter formation by the other side.
For instance , the Sarpa Vyuha was met with Garuda Vyuha(Serpent formation against Eagle.Formation was usually met with Garuda or eagle Formation’Eagle is a Natural Enemy of Heron.Note the Swoop of the Garuda, nullifying and swamping the posture of the Heron.
There were also courses to get into and out of each formation.
No comments:
Post a Comment