Significance of Commander-in-chief
The term Commander-in-chief encompasses a range of meanings across various texts and traditions. In the context of Arthashastra, it denotes the highest-ranking military officer responsible for commanding and overseeing army operations and strategies. In Vaishnavism, it refers to Lord Nityananda as the leader of the kirtana party, while the Purana texts emphasize figures like Karttikeya and Manyu as leaders of celestial and divine armies. Overall, Commander-in-chief signifies a paramount military authority tasked with strategic oversight and command across different contexts and narratives.
Synonyms: Supreme commander, Chief commander, Military leader, Generalissimo, Chief general
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Commander-in-chief'
The term "Commander-in-chief" in Buddhism symbolizes high military authority, reflecting pivotal relationships and honors bestowed by kings, exemplifying loyalty and influential alliances within the narrative context of Buddhist teachings and stories.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The title given to one of the comrades, Branch, by the newly crowned King Banyan.[1] (2) The highest military official, an important character in the narrative advising the king.[2] (3) The high military position that the king bestowed upon the Bodhisatta after he subdued the goblin.[3] (4) A high-ranking military officer with whom Mitta-gandhaka formed a friendship, enhancing his social standing.[4]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A title given to Bandula by King Pasenadi when he befriended him.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Commander-in-chief'
In Hinduism, "Commander-in-chief" signifies a high-ranking military officer tasked with strategic oversight, encompassing figures like Dronacharya, Bhishma, and Karttikeya, who lead armies and navigate battles, embodying authority and ethical leadership.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The position that Kapalasphota attains under Narasthibhushana, the king of the Vetalas.[6] (2) The highest-ranking officer who oversees the execution of military operations, specifically Grasana in this context.[7] (3) The position sought for the son of Mahadeva, who is to lead the Devas against the Danavas.[8] (4) The position held by Shanmukha after visiting the Tirtha, symbolizing strength and leadership in the divine army.[9] (5) Kumara (Karttikeya) was made the commander-in-chief of the Devas during their battle against Taraka.[10]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Refers to the title that Taraka sought to ensure his dominance over the gods.[11] (2) Karttikeya's role as the leader of gods and exemplary figure of courage.[12] (3) The leader of the Ganas, asserting authority and the ability to act decisively in conflict situations.[13] (4) The title given to the infant son of the lord after a coronation ceremony, signifying his leadership among the gods.[14]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A appointed military leader, either a brahmin or kshatriya, who is well-versed in ethics and comes from a noble family.[15] (2) The commander-in-chief is responsible for the overall command and control of the army, guiding them through various terrains and challenges.[16]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The chief officer who led military operations, in this case, Cikshura, noted for his pride.[17] (2) The appointed leader of the army, responsible for strategy and conduct during warfare.[18]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The primary leader responsible for the strategy and direction of the military, in this case, of the Yadava forces.[19] (2) The highest-ranking military officer responsible for the defense and strategic operations of an army.[20]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) Skanda's role as the leader of the celestial army, bestowed upon him by the Devas, highlighting his significance in cosmic battles.[21] (2) The leader who organizes and commands the army for Karttavirya.[22]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The role of Skanda as a leader in battles against demonic forces.[23] (2) A title associated with Mars, known as Skanda, indicating his role as the leader of the army of Devas.[24]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The role of Karttikeya as the leader of the gods, denoting his authority and responsibility in the celestial hierarchy.[25] (2) Manyu is requested to be the commander-in-chief of the Devas in their battle against the Danavas.[26]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The leader of Rama's army responsible for executing orders and managing the troops.[27]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The role appointed to Karttikeya by the gods as he grew powerful even as an infant.[28]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) A descriptor that emphasizes the authoritative and leading attributes of the lord impacting heavenly armies.[29]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) The title referring to the head of the military, in this context, associated with the chariot description.[30]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) A rank associated with specific measurements of residential buildings in the text.[31]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The leader of Shalva's army who faced significant challenges in the battle.[32]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) The highest-ranking military officer who commands the entire army.[33] (2) The highest-ranking officer in charge of the army, responsible for overall military strategy and command within the encampment.[34] (3) The highest-ranking officer responsible for the overall strategic deployment and command of the army.[35]
From: Nitiprakasika (Critical Analysis)
(1) The position defined in the Mahabharata, describing the necessary qualifications and responsibilities for leading the army.[36] (2) An important officer elected from a good family, responsible for the whole army with complete command over his soldiers.[37] (3) The highest-ranking military officer responsible for overseeing all army operations and strategies.[38]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The title of the military leader who addressed Naravahanadatta regarding the incidents of the night.[39] (2) Supratika, the military leader under King Shatanika, tasked with leading battles against the Asuras.[40]
From: Bhishma Charitra
(1) The leader appointed to command the army, responsible for strategic decisions and oversight of battles; in this text, Dronacarya was appointed as the commander-in-chief by Duryodhana.[41] (2) The title given to Grandsire Bhishma Pitamaha who led Duryodhana's army.[42]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) The highest-ranking officer in charge of an army, responsible for making strategic decisions during warfare.[43]
From: Dasarupaka (critical study)
(1) Refers to Duryodhana's tactical consultations with councilors regarding military strategy.[44] (2) The leading officer in charge of Duryodhana's army, as discussed among Duryodhana's chiefs and allies.[45]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The leader of the kirtana party, specifically referred to as Lord Nityananda in the context of the Antya-khanda.[46]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The controller of the entire force and its supplies, responsible for strategic deployment in battle.[47]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) A title referring to Guha, who leads the celestial army of gods and protects against evils.[48]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A high-ranking military officer who also receives a grand umbrella, highlighting their importance and status in the kingdom.[49]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) The highest-ranking officer commanding the Kauravas and Pandavas during the conflict, specifically Bhishma for the Kauravas and Dhrishtadyumma for the Pandavas.[50]
The concept of Commander-in-chief in local and regional sources
The term "Commander-in-chief" denotes the supreme military authority, often overlapping with political power, as exemplified in various countries and specific situations, including India's resistance to delegating defence roles to civilian leadership.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The Commander-in-chief is the highest-ranking military officer, who may assume political authority, as seen in the cases of Iraq, Pakistan, Thailand, and Burma.[51] (2) The highest-ranking military officer in charge of the army, in this case referring to Karunakara.[52] (3) The highest military officer in charge of the armed forces in India, who was opposed to transferring critical Defence responsibilities to Indian representatives.[53]