Originally posted by -Shani-
Thanks so much 😊
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Two more questions -
1. Why wasn't Karna made senapati on Day 11 itself when he entered the battlefield?
2. Why didn't Kripa succeed Drona as senapati?
Actually, the armies, after the fall of Bhishma were very sad and depressed - until they remembered Karna. Kaurava was relieved of all the pain when they thought of Karna, they happily cried out his name, the army wanted Karna to be the Commander and so did Duryodhana, but Karna suggested the name of Drona and hence the latter was made Commander.
Here is the state of the Army after Bhishma's fall.
" The Kuru host looked like the firmament divested of stars, or like the sky without the atmosphere, or like the earth with blasted crops, or like anoration disfigured by bad grammar, or like the Asura host of old after Vali had been smitten down, or like a beautiful damsel deprived of husband, or like a river whose waters have been dried up, or like aroe deprived of her mate and encompassed in the woods by wolves; or like a spacious mountain cave with its lion killed by a Sarabha. "And this is when they remembered Karna.
..." Then the Kauravas remembered Karna, who indeed, was equal to Devavrata himself. All hearts turned to that foremost of all wielders of arms, that one resembling a guest resplendent (with learning and ascetic austerities). And all hearts turned to him, as the heart of a man in distress turneth to a friend capable of relieving that distress. And, O Bharata, the kings then cried out saying, Karna! Karna! The son of Radha, our friend, the son of a Suta, that one who is ever prepared to lay down his life in battle! Endued with great fame, Karna, with his followers and friends, did not fight for these ten days. O, summon him soon!' The mighty-armed hero, in the presence of all the Kshatriyas, during the mention of valiant and mighty car-warriors, was by Bhishma classed as an Ardha-ratha, although that bull among men is equal to two Maharathas! Even thus was he classed during the counting of Rathas and Atirathas, he that is the foremost (of all Rathas and Atirathas), he that is respected by all heroes, he that would venture to fight even with Yama, Kuvera, Varuna, and Indra..."It was clear what the armies and Duryodhana wanted - Make Karna the Commander.
Below is Karna suggesting the name of next Commander.
" This one, however, is the Preceptor (in arms) of all these warriors; is venerable in years, and worthy of respect. Therefore, Drona, this foremost of all wielders of weapons, should be made the leader "
Edited by TheWatcher - 9 years ago