Shloka 56
Nāradasya Rājadharma-praśnāḥ
Nārada’s Examination of Royal Ethics
कच्चिद् भयादुपगतं क्षीणं वा रिपुमागतम् । युद्धे वा विजितं पार्थ पुत्रवत् परिरक्षसि,कुन्तीनन्दन! जो भयसे अथवा अपनी धन-सम्पत्तिका नाश होनेसे तुम्हारी शरणमें आया हो या युद्धमें तुमसे परास्त हो गया हो, ऐसे शत्रुका तुम पुत्रके समान पालन करते हो या नहीं?
kaccid bhayādupagataṁ kṣīṇaṁ vā ripum āgatam | yuddhe vā vijitaṁ pārtha putravat parirakṣasi ||
Nārada said: “O Pārtha, do you protect like a son even an enemy who has come to you seeking refuge out of fear, or who has been reduced and ruined, or who has approached you after being defeated by you in battle?”
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a dharmic ideal: even a hostile person, once defeated or seeking refuge in fear and ruin, should be protected with the care one gives a son. It frames victory as responsibility, not license for cruelty.
Nārada is examining Pārtha’s (Arjuna’s) conduct by asking whether he upholds the duty of protection toward a surrendered or defeated enemy—an ethical test of royal and warrior virtue.