Shloka 31
तत्र दस्युर्धनयुत: सर्ववर्णविशेषवित् । ब्रह्मण्य: सत्यसंधश्न दाने च निरतो5भवत्,उस गाँवमें एक धनी डाकू रहता था, जो समस्त वर्णोकी विशेषताका जानकार था। उसके ह्ृदयमें ब्राह्मणोंके प्रति भक्ति थी। वह सत्यप्रतिज्ञ और दानी था
tatra dasyur dhanayutaḥ sarvavarṇaviśeṣavit | brahmaṇyaḥ satyasaṃdhaś ca dāne ca nirato 'bhavat ||
There lived a wealthy dāsyu, a bandit who understood the distinctive duties and traits of all the varṇas. Yet he was devoted to the Brahmins, steadfast in truth, faithful to his vows, and ever engaged in giving.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that ethical qualities—truthfulness, reverence for the virtuous (especially Brahmins), and generosity—can appear even in a person whose occupation is blameworthy. It invites reflection on how dharma is assessed: not only by social label or livelihood, but also by inner commitments and conduct.
Bhishma introduces a character living in a village: a rich bandit who nonetheless knows the distinctions of the varnas and is described as brahmanya (reverent to Brahmins), satyasandha (true to vows), and devoted to charity. This description sets up a subsequent moral or didactic episode about conduct and righteousness.