Shloka 14

राष्ट्रगुप्ति-संग्रहः

Protection of the Realm and Principles of Revenue & Local Administration

Devanagari script

उत्पत्तिं दानवृत्तिं च शिल्पं सम्प्रेक्ष्य चासकृत्‌

Transliteration

utpattiṃ dānavṛttiṃ ca śilpaṃ samprekṣya cāsakṛt

Translation

Bhīṣma said: “Having repeatedly examined a person’s origin, their conduct in giving, and their practical skill (craft or competence)…”

Word by Word

• उत्पत्तिम्: origin, production
• उत्पत्तिम्: Karma
• Type: Noun
• Root: उत्पत्ति
• Form: Feminine, Accusative, Singular

• दानवृत्तिम्: the practice/way of giving (charitable conduct)
• दानवृत्तिम्: Karma
• Type: Noun
• Root: दानवृत्ति
• Form: Feminine, Accusative, Singular

• च: and
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: च

• शिल्पम्: craft, skill, art
• शिल्पम्: Karma
• Type: Noun
• Root: शिल्प
• Form: Neuter, Accusative, Singular

• सम्प्रेक्ष्य: having observed/examined
• Type: Verb
• Root: सम् + प्रेक्ष्
• Form: ल्यप् (absolutive/gerund), Parasmaipada (usage-neutral for gerund)

• च: and
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: च

• असकृत्: repeatedly, many times
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: असकृत्

Speaker

भीष्म उवाच

Characters & Entities

• Bhīṣma

Educational Q&A

What is the core teaching?

Bhīṣma points to a dharmic method of evaluating a person: do not rely on a single impression, but repeatedly consider (1) their background or origins, (2) their habitual generosity, and (3) their demonstrated competence—since ethical worth is seen in sustained conduct and capability.

What is happening in the narrative?

In Śānti Parva, Bhīṣma continues instructing Yudhiṣṭhira on righteous governance and ethical discernment. Here he introduces criteria a wise person (especially a ruler) should examine repeatedly when assessing people for trust, honor, or responsibility.