Shloka 833
Rāma–Jāmadagnya-janma-kāraṇa and Kṣatra-kṣaya
Paraśurāma’s origins and the depletion/restoration of kṣatriya lineages
द्योकारहेमकारादिजातिं नित्यं समाश्रिता: । ये सभी क्षत्रिय बालक जहाँ-तहाँ विख्यात हैं। वे सदा शिल्पी और सुनार आदि जातियोंके आश्रित होकर रहते हैं
dyokāra-hemakārādi-jātiṁ nityaṁ samāśritāḥ | ye sabhī kṣatriya-bālakā yatra-tatra vikhyātāḥ santi | te sadā śilpī-suvarṇakārādi-jātīnām āśrayaṁ kṛtvā vasanti |
Vāsudeva said: “Those Kshatriya youths, known here and there, continually live dependent upon artisan and goldsmith communities and the like. Their fame is not grounded in self-reliant discipline; rather, they sustain themselves by taking shelter of craftspeople.”
वासुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse critiques hollow prestige: even if Kshatriya youths are widely known, their constant dependence on artisan and goldsmith communities suggests a lapse in proper self-sustaining Kshatriya discipline and responsibility. Ethical standing is implied to rest on conduct and rightful livelihood, not mere reputation.
Vāsudeva is describing a social reality: certain Kshatriya youths, though famous in many places, live by relying on craftspeople such as artisans and goldsmiths. The statement functions as a moral observation within Shanti Parva’s broader discourse on dharma and proper social conduct.