Shloka 40
कच्चिद् वृत्तिं वर्तते वै पुराणीं कच्चिद् भोगान् धार्तराष्ट्रो ददाति । अंगहीनान् कृपणान् वामनान् वा यानानृशंस्यो धृतराष्ट्रो बिभर्ति,(और कहना--) क्या राजा धृतराष्ट्र दयावश जिन अंगहीनों, दीनों और बौने मनुष्योंका पालन करते हैं, उन्हें दुर्योधन भरण-पोषणकी सामग्री देता है? क्या वह उनकी प्राचीन जीविका-वृत्तिका निर्वाह करता है?
kaccid vṛttiṁ vartate vai purāṇīṁ kaccid bhogān dhārtarāṣṭro dadāti | aṅgahīnān kṛpaṇān vāmanān vā yānānṛśaṁsyo dhṛtarāṣṭro bibharti ||
Yudhiṣṭhira said: “Does he still maintain the ancient, customary means of livelihood? Does Dhārtarāṣṭra (Duryodhana) provide them with sustenance and necessities? And do those whom compassionate Dhṛtarāṣṭra supports—people who are disabled, destitute, or of small stature—receive from Duryodhana the provisions required for their upkeep?”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights rājadharma: a ruler (and the ruling house) must ensure the livelihood and support of vulnerable dependents—especially those sustained by the king’s compassion. Ethical governance is measured not only by power but by continued, traditional provision and humane care.
In Udyoga Parva’s diplomatic context, Yudhiṣṭhira asks after the Kuru court’s welfare and moral conduct. He specifically inquires whether Duryodhana provides ongoing maintenance and supplies to those whom Dhṛtarāṣṭra compassionately supports—testing the ethical state of the kingdom amid rising conflict.