Shloka 33
धन-राजधर्म संवादः
Discourse on Wealth and Royal Duty
आसीदियं दिलीपस्य नृगस्य नहुषस्थ च
āsīd iyaṃ dilīpasya nṛgasya nahuṣasya ca | ambarīṣasya māndhātuś ca kramād iyam mahī ||
Arjuna said: “This very earth once passed in turn under the sovereignty of kings Dilīpa, Nṛga, Nahuṣa, Ambarīṣa, and Māndhātṛ. Now it has come under your control. Therefore, you have obtained the opportunity to perform a wealth-supported sacrifice, giving away everything as sacrificial fees before you—an act that proclaims royal responsibility, generosity, and the ethical use of power.”
अर्जुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Political power is ethically validated by dharmic conduct—especially generosity and the proper use of wealth through yajña and dakṣiṇā. By recalling exemplary kings, the verse frames sovereignty as a trust that should culminate in public-spirited giving and ritual responsibility.
Arjuna addresses the ruler before him, reminding him that the earth has historically passed through the hands of famed kings. Since the realm is now under his authority, Arjuna urges him toward a grand, wealth-supported sacrifice with abundant gifts, aligning present rule with revered models of righteous kingship.