Shloka 76
बक-गौतमाख्यानम् / The Baka–Gautama Account
On Gratitude and Friendship Ethics
तस्माल्लेभे च धर्मज्ञो राजन्नैलविलस्तथा । ततस्त्वैलविलाल्लेभे धुन्धुमारो नरेश्वर:,राजन! उनसे धर्मज्ञ ऐलविलने वह तलवार प्राप्त की। ऐलविलसे वह महाराज धुन्धुमारको मिली
tasmāl lebhe ca dharmajño rājann ailavilas tathā | tatas tv ailavilāl lebhe dhundhumāro nareśvaraḥ ||
Bhishma said: “Therefore, O king, the righteous Ailavila obtained that sword. Thereafter, from Ailavila, the sovereign Dhundhumāra received it.” The passage underscores the ethical idea that worthy power and royal insignia are transmitted through dharma-aligned lineage and rightful succession, not mere force.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
That authority and potent symbols of rule (like a famed sword) are properly acquired and passed on through dharma—righteous conduct and legitimate succession—rather than through arbitrary seizure.
Bhishma recounts a chain of possession: the dharma-knowing Ailavila receives the sword, and later King Dhundhumāra receives it from Ailavila, indicating a recognized transfer of royal power.