Top 10 Warriors of the Pandavas in Mahabharata: A Ranking Without Kaurava Warriors

Note: Shri Krishna is excluded from this list.

The Mahabharata is replete with estimable warriors who stood by each other through the epic conflict of the Pandavas and the Kauravas. This article focuses exclusively on the top 10 warriors from the Pandavas side, excluding any Kaurava warriors. We shall rank them based on their contributions and notability during the war.

Rank 1: Arjuna

Arjuna, the one-man army, remained invincible throughout the war. Dhrishtadyumna would often use Arjuna to keep at least two of the strongest Kauravas, particularly Bhishma and Drona, away from the Pandava army. No one could defeat these two warriors; they would have wreaked havoc in the Pandava army. Arjuna was responsible for killing the most prominent Kaurava warriors such as Bhishma, Bhagadatta, Karna, Susharma, Jaydratha, Sudakshina, Vrishasena, Shrutayudha, Vinda, and Anuvinda. He single-handedly destroyed the entire active force of Kauravas, 11 Akshauhini, and another Akshauhini of the reserve army. With the guidance of Krishna, Arjuna became invincible, and his skills were boundless, including shooting a million arrows, fighting at night, controlling sleep, and wielding his maces with equal strength in both hands. As a bonus, Arjuna was granted a boon by Ului that he would remain invincible underwater, and all underwater creatures would obey him.

Rank 2: Bhima

Bhima, the strength of at least 20,000 elephants after being blessed by Hanuman, was a formidable opponent in the war. His might was such that he decimated great warriors like Duryodhana, Bahlika, Durmasena, Dushashana, Vikarna, and, particularly, 97 Kauravas. His mace was equal to 100,000 other maces. Additionally, he was a skilled archer, possessing weapons like Twashtarastra and Vayuvyastra. Bhima’s feats were not limited to his physical might; he also played a crucial role in the Mahabharata’s plot development, particularly by challenging Duryodhana to the game of dice.

Rank 3: Abhimanyu

Abhimanyu was no match for any Kaurava warrior on any given day without deceit, except for Bhishma. On the 14th day of the war, he killed 100,000 warriors and other notable warriors like Brihadbala. Beside his immense skill, he was also protected by the invincible armor of Brahma Kavach and possessed a fierce bow. His bravery and unparalleled prowess made him a formidable warrior in the Pandava army.

Rank 4: Satyaki

Satyaki was a warrior who could either assist or keep an important Kaurava warrior away from battle. He vanquished Bhurishrava, Somadatta, Jalasandha, Alambusha, and Sudarshana. His archery skills were unmatched, and he possessed weapons like Indrastra, Varunastra, Agneyastra, and Vayuvyastra. On the 14th day, Satyaki demonstrated his prowess by defeating Shalya, Ashwatthama, and Vrishasena together. His leadership and courage made him a vital warrior for the Pandavas.

Rank 5: Ghatotkacha

Ghatotkacha shattered the Kaurava army, causing significant distress. He killed mighty rakshasas like Alambala and Alayudha. Although not as volatile as Bhima, Ghatotkacha’s immense strength and agility were formidable. His battle prowess was such that he could single-handedly cause chaos in the Kaurava army.

Rank 6: Yudhishthira

Yudhishthira, although primarily known for his honesty and righteousness, was also a formidable warrior. He slayed his uncle Shalya and his brother Madrasena. On the battlefield, Yudhishthira demonstrated his bravery and fighting skills, which were crucial in the eventual victory of the Pandavas.

Rank 7: Nakul and Sahadev

Nakul and Sahadev were known for their extraordinary skill with weapons like arrows. Drishtadyumna often utilized them to keep Bhishma and Drona away from the Pandava army. Their contributions were instrumental in the survival and success of the Pandava army during the war.

Rank 8: Drupada

Drupada, known to Bhishma as a Maharathi, did not kill many warriors. However, his presence and contributions were pivotal. He was a skilled warrior and assisted the Pandavas in significant ways. Although he did not directly kill many warriors, his role was crucial in the war’s outcome. Eventually, he was killed by Dronacharya, which marked a challenging moment for the Pandavas.

Rank 9: Shikhandi

Shikhandi caused the death of Bhishma, the Kaurava general. His role in the war was significant, as he managed to achieve what many warriors could not. His ability to slay Bhishma marked a turning point in the war. Despite his pivotal role, his participation in direct combat was limited.

Rank 10: Pandya King Malayadhwaja

The final warrior on this list is Pandya King Malayadhwaja. Although not as prominent as the others, his fighting skills were well-known. He played a significant role in the Pandava army, especially during the critical battles. No direct battles or personal feats are highlighted for him, but his contributions to the war are recognized.

Suggestions: The ranking system of Mahabharata warriors can be subjective, and different perspectives may vary. Hence, it's essential to consider the historical accounts and the impact of each warrior on the war's outcome.

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