Shloka 11
Sandhi–Vigraha in Āpada: The Mouse and the Cat (सन्धिविग्रहापदि—मूषकमार्जारसंवादः)
दस्यव ऊचु: मुहूर्तदेशकालज्ञ: प्राज्ञ: शूरो दृढब्रतः । ग्रामणीर्भव नो मुख्य: सर्वेषामेव सम्मत:
dasyava ūcuḥ: muhūrtadeśakālajñaḥ prājñaḥ śūro dṛḍhavrataḥ | grāmaṇīr bhava no mukhyaḥ sarveṣām eva sammataḥ ||
The bandits said: “You understand the right moment, the terrain, and the time; you are wise, valiant, and firm in your vows. Therefore, with the consent of us all, become our chief—our acknowledged leader.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even a morally compromised group recognizes the practical virtues required for leadership—discernment of time and place, wisdom, courage, and steadfastness. The verse highlights that effective leadership is grounded in competence and collective consent, though the ethical use of such qualities remains decisive for dharma.
A group of bandits addresses a capable person and, impressed by his strategic judgment and personal qualities, urges him—by unanimous agreement—to become their chief and principal leader.