1:2: Sanjaya replied: Having seen the Pandava army drawn into battle array, King Duryodhana then approached his preceptor [Drona] and spoke the following words:The two great armies lined up on the field facing one another awaiting the beginning of the conflict. In those days civilization was much more moral and cultured than today even in warfare. So called "collateral damage" wherein civilians and other non-combatants fall victim was unthinkable to these noble Bharata warriors (Kshatriyas). Now Duryodhana, the eldest son of King Dhritarashtra, sought the advise of Master Drona, the commander of the Kaurava military forces. He was beginning to realize that this war would be unlike any he had ever fought.
1:3: O master, behold this great military of the people of Pandu arrayed by your skillful disciple, the son of Drupada.
The Pandava Prince Arjuna was married to Draupadi, the daughter of King Drupada and was his most intimate student in the military arts. King Duryodhana therefore here warns his commander Drona that Arjuna will doubtless prove to be a most formidable adversary now that they would be facing one other on the field of battle.
1:4: Here are heroes in battle, mighty archers equal to Bhima and Arjuna: Yuyudhana, Virata and Drupada, each a maharathah.
A maharathah is a great chariot fighter proficient in war and said to be able to defeat ten thousand archers single-handedly. This was quickly shaping up to the most fearsome battle in human history and the Kauravas were beginning to feel the pressure.
1:5, 6: The greatest mortals of all, including Dhristaketu, Cekitana and the fearless Kasiraja, Purujit, also Kuntibhoja and Shaibya,
Yudhamanyu and the mighty Uttamauja, [Abhimanyu] the courageous son of Subhadra [and Arjuna] and the sons of Draupadi; all of whom are certainly great chariot fighters.
Here were are being introduced to the valiant cast of able characters who will be taking part in the upcoming battle. For the sake of space I wont offer a biography on them all here all, but as the context makes clear, these were the greatest warriors on earth assembled on both sides of the line and ready for battle.
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