Shloka 30
Cyavana’s Water-Vow and the Ethics of Cohabitation (स्नेह-सम्वास-धर्मः)
भीष्म उवाच दारा इत्युच्यते लोके नाम्नैकेन परंतप । प्रोक्तेन चैव नाम्नायं विशेष: सुमहान् भवेत्
bhīṣma uvāca | dārā ity ucyate loke nāmnaikena parantapa | proktena caiva nāmnāyaṁ viśeṣaḥ sumahān bhavet ||
Bhishma said: 'O scorcher of foes, in common usage all women are referred to by the single designation “dārā” (wives). Yet, merely by this very label as it is applied, a very great distinction comes to be recognized.'
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma points out that although society uses a single generic term (“dārā”) for women/wives, the way such labels are applied can create or reflect major social distinctions. The verse introduces a discussion on differentiation in offspring and social classification connected with women of different varṇas.
In Anuśāsana Parva, Bhishma continues instructing the king (Yudhiṣṭhira) on dharma. Here he begins a topic by noting the common designation for women and then signals that significant distinctions are made on that basis, setting up the ensuing explanation about differences among sons born from women of the four varṇas.