Is Satyaki an Underrated Warrior in Mahabharata?

Many contemporary interpretations of the epic Mahabharata often portray Satyaki as a vastly underrated hero, but such a perception is far from accurate. As depicted in Vyasa's epic, Satyaki is indeed a formidable warrior on the side of the Pandavas in the great war. Yet, in modern reinterpretations, his prominence has diminished, with some fanfiction and TV serials barely mentioning him.

Introduction to Satyaki and the Vrishni Clan

Satyaki hails from the Vrishni clan, led by none other than Krishna and his elder brother, Balarama. He fought for the Pandavas in the Mahabharata war and commanded a significant portion of their army. Interestingly, another Vrishni, Kritavarma, fought for the Kauravas. Both Satyaki and Kritavarma survived the war, indicating their essential roles and incredible prowess.

Proven Prowess on the Battlefield

Satyaki's battlefield skills were unparalleled. He consistently vanquished numerous Kaurava warriors such as Duryodhana, Ashwatthama, Karna, and Jayadratha. A notable instance of his strength occurred on the 14th day of the war when Drona, the Kaurava commander-in-chief, targeted Yudhisthira. Arjuna, in pursuit of Jayadratha, was away. To protect Yudhisthira, Satyaki engaged in a prolonged battle with Drona. This delay forced Duryodhana to direct Drona to focus on Arjuna rather than capturing Yudhisthira. It's worth noting that few could match Satyaki in battle, including Bhishma, Drona, and Karna.

Pre-War Strategics and Controversies

Before the war, Satyaki played a crucial role in the The Udyoga Parva, one of the books in Mahabharata. Here, he was a key member of the Pandavas' war council, offering vocal criticism against the Kuru elders. He opposed Krishna's suggestion for the Pandavas to make one last effort at reconciliation with the Kauravas. Satyaki was particularly angered by Balarama's proposal for the Pandavas to show meekness towards Duryodhana while requesting their kingdom back, deeming it a sign of cowardice. In reality, Balarama had trained Duryodhana in mace-fighting and was, therefore, biased towards him.

Satyaki's Response to Balarama

Satyaki's response to Balarama's counsel was quite intense, as conveyed in Romesh C. Dutt's verse retelling of Mahabharata. His words reflect a deep sense of honor and fair play:

Shame unto the halting chieftain who thus pleads Duryodhana's part;
Timid counsel, Valadeva speaks a woman's timid heart.
As a withered fruitless sapling springeth from a fruitful tree!
From a heart so faint and craven, faint and craven words must flown.
Monarchs in their pride and glory list not to such counsel low!
Couldst thou, impious Valadeva, amidst these potentates of fame,
On Yudhishthir, pious-hearted, cast this undeserved blame?
Challenged by his wily foeman and by dark misfortune crossed,
Trusting to their faith, Yudhishthir played a righteous game and lost.
Challenge from a crowned monarch can a crowned king decline?
Can a Kshatra warrior fathom fraud in sons of royal line?
Nathless he surrendered empire, true to faith and plighted word,
Lived for years in pathless forests, Indraprastha's mighty lord.
Past his years of weary exile, now he claims his realm of old, Past his year of dark concealment, bold Yudhishthir claims his own.
Proud Duryodhan now must render Indraprastha's jewelled throne!
Bhishma counsels Drona, urges Kripa, pleads for right in vain;
False Duryodhan will not render sinful conquest, fraudful gain.
Open war I therefore counsel, ruthless and relentless warn.
Grace we seek not when we meet them, speeding in our battle car!
And our weapons, not entreaties, shall our foemen force to yield;
Yield, Yudhishthir's rightful kingdom, or they perish on the field!
False Duryodhan and his forces, fall beneath our battle shock;
As beneath the bolt of thunder, falls the crushed and riven rock!
Who shall meet the helméd Arjuna in the gory field of war?
Krishna with his fiery discus, mounted on his battle-car.
Who shall face the twin-born brothers, by the mighty Bhima led?
And the vengeful chief, Satyaki, with his bow and arrows dread.
Ancient Drupad wields his weapons, peerless in the field of fight;
And his brave son, born of Agni, owns an all-consuming might.
Abhimanyu, son of Arjuna, whom the fair Subhadra bore;
Whose happy nuptials brought us, from far Dwarka's sea-girt shore.
Men on earth nor bright Immortals can the youthful hero face;
When, with more than Arjuna's prowess, Abhimanyu leads the race.
Dhritarashtra's sons we conquer, and Gandharva's wily son;
Vanquish Karna, though world-honoured, for his deeds of valour done;
Win the fierce-contested battle, and redeem Yudhishthir's own;
Place the exile, pious-hearted, on his father's ancient throne!
And no sin, Satyaki reckons, slaughter of the mortal foe;
But to beg a grace of foemen, were a mortal sin and woe.
Speed we then unto our duty, let our impious foemen yield;
Or the fiery son of Sini, meets them on the battle-field!

Conclusion

Satyaki's role in the Mahabharata goes beyond mere valor in battle. His strategic genius, unwavering commitment to the Pandavas, and vocal opposition to unfair practices make him a significant and often underappreciated warrior in this epic tale.