Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 1, Shloka 28
गुणप्रशंसा–युवराजनिर्णयः
Praise of Rama’s Virtues and the Decision on the Heir-Apparent
वैहारिकाणां शिल्पानां विज्ञाताऽऽर्थविभागवित्।आरोहे विनये चैव युक्तो वारणवाजिनाम्।।।।
vaihārikāṇāṃ śilpānāṃ vijñātā ’rthavibhāgavit | ārohe vinaye caiva yukto vāraṇavājinām ||
He understood the arts meant for refined recreation, and he knew the proper distribution of wealth. He was skilled both in mounting elephants and horses and in training them to obedience.
He had understanding of art and craft useful for entertainment. He knew proper ways of dispensing wealth. He was experienced in riding elephants and horses and in humbling them.
FAQs
A ruler’s dharma includes cultured refinement and practical competence—especially fair stewardship and allocation of wealth (artha) for social order.
The text continues enumerating Rāma’s royal competencies: arts, economic discernment, and mastery of royal transport/war-animals.
Practical wisdom and administrative fairness: he knows how to dispense resources appropriately and maintains disciplined control (vinaya).