Shloka 7
Adhyāya 195 — Arjuna’s Capability and Restraint Regarding Divyāstras
Udyoga Parva
व्यादिदेश सवाहाानां भक्ष्यभोज्यमनुत्तमम् । सगजाश्चवमनुष्याणां ये च शिल्पोपजीविन:
vyādideśa sa vāhānāṁ bhakṣya-bhojyam anuttamam | sa-gajāś ca vā manushyāṇāṁ ye ca śilpopajīvinaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: He ordered that the finest food—both provisions for sustenance and delicacies for enjoyment—be distributed to the attendants and transport-bearers, to those with the elephants, and to the men and artisans who lived by their crafts. The account thus affirms a ruler’s duty to sustain every class engaged in a great undertaking—workers, specialists, and those who bear the burdens of logistics—so that dharma is carried out without neglect or exploitation.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
A leader’s dharma includes ensuring fair and ample provision for all who support a major enterprise—transport staff, specialized corps (like elephant units), and skilled workers—so that collective duty is fulfilled with dignity and without neglect.
The speaker reports that orders were given to distribute excellent food and supplies to various groups present—logistics personnel, those connected with elephants, ordinary men, and artisans—indicating organized preparation and responsible management.