Shloka 38
Nāradasya Rājadharma-praśnāḥ
Nārada’s Examination of Royal Ethics
कच्चिदष्टादशान्येषु स्वपक्षे दश पठच च । त्रिभिस्त्रिभिरविज्ञातैर्वेत्सि तीर्थानि चारकै:
kaccid aṣṭādaśāny eṣu svapakṣe daśa pañca ca | tribhis tribhir avijñātair vetsi tīrthāni cārakaiḥ ||
Nārada said: “Do you keep watch—by means of three-and-three secret agents who are not recognized—over the strategic ‘stations’ (key points of access and influence) in the eighteen divisions of the enemy’s side, and likewise over the fifteen within your own side?”
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler’s duty includes vigilant, discreet intelligence-gathering to protect the realm and prevent harm. The verse emphasizes structured verification (agents in groups of three) and awareness of key strategic nodes, balancing prudence with responsible governance.
Nārada is examining the king’s preparedness and administrative competence. He asks whether the king maintains covert surveillance over important points in both enemy territory and his own domain through unrecognized spies, ensuring reliable information and internal security.