1. Maharathi (Supreme Warrior)
A Maharathi is a warrior who can fight and defeat 12 Atirathis or an entire division of an army alone. They are the apex fighters — masters of all weapons, divine astras, and combat strategy.
Examples:
Lord Krishna (though he did not fight directly)
Arjuna
Karna (after gaining celestial weapons)
Bhishma
Drona
Ashwatthama
Parashurama
These are the warriors who could alter the course of a war by their presence.
2. Atirathi (Elite Warrior)
An Atirathi can fight against 60,000 warriors or 12 ordinary Rathis simultaneously.They are skilled in celestial weapons and capable of commanding large armies.
Examples:
Abhimanyu
Bhima
Satyaki
Dristadyumna
Shalya
Atirathis are powerful, but not invincible against Maharathis.
3. Rathi (Skilled Chariot Warrior)
A Rathi is capable of fighting 12 ordinary soldiers simultaneously.They are competent charioteers and strong in combat but lack the divine edge or strategy mastery of higher ranks.
Examples:
Nakula and Sahadeva
Yudhishthira (though skilled, not divine-level)
Kritavarma
Shikhandi
Rathis form the backbone of any army.
4. Ardharathi (Half Warrior)
These are capable fighters but lack the skill, weapon mastery, or courage to stand against strong opponents.They're often princes, new trainees, or support warriors.
Examples:
Many lesser princes from both sides, like Uttar and others who fought early in the war.
5. Ordinary Soldiers (Padati and Ashvaka)
They include foot soldiers, archers, and cavalry.While essential for the war, they are not ranked among the great heroes.
⚔️ Other Special Categories Divine or Semi-Divine Beings
Some characters transcend human ranking because they carry divine blood or boons.
Examples:
Krishna (Vishnu's avatar)
Bhishma (blessed with Ichha Mrityu – death at will)
Karna (son of Surya)
Arjuna (blessed by many gods)
Ashwatthama (immortal due to Shiva's blessing)
These characters can wield divine astras like Brahmastra, Pashupatastra, or Vasavi Shakti — capable of destroying worlds or armies.
Rank category
Maharathi: Super-warrior — god-tier or demigod-level fighter
Atirathi: Commander-tier — elite hero or master general
Rathi: Skilled knight — experienced warrior
Ardharathi: Intermediate — below main heroes
Padati: Common soldier