Shloka 6
Karṇa–Sūrya Saṃvāda: Satya, Dāna, and the Amoghā Śakti (कर्ण–सूर्यसंवादः)
पुरद्वारेषु सर्वेषु गुल्मा: स्थावरजड़मा: । बभूवु: पत्तिबहुला: प्रभूतगजवाजिन:,नगरके सभी दरवाजोंपर छिपकर बैठनेके लिये बुर्ज बने हुए थे। ये स्थावर गुल्म कहलाते थे और घूम-फिरकर रक्षा करनेवाले जो सैनिक नियुक्त किये गये थे वे जंगम गुल्म कहे जाते थे। इनमें अधिकांश पैदल और बहुत-से हाथीसवार तथा घुड़सवार भी थे
puradvāreṣu sarveṣu gulmāḥ sthāvarajaḍamāḥ | babhūvuḥ pattibahulāḥ prabhūtagajavājinaḥ ||
Mārkaṇḍeya said: “At every gate of the city there were fort-like defensive posts (gulmas), fixed and immovable, set up for concealment and protection. They were manned chiefly by infantry, and also by large numbers of elephant-riders and horsemen.”
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights prudent governance: a city’s protection is organized, layered, and proportionate—fixed fortifications at key points and a well-composed force (infantry supported by elephants and cavalry). Ethically, it reflects the ruler’s dharma to safeguard subjects through preparedness rather than negligence.
Mārkaṇḍeya describes the defensive arrangement at a city’s gates: stationary gate-posts (gulmas) are established everywhere, staffed mainly by foot-soldiers and reinforced with many elephant and horse units, indicating heightened vigilance and readiness.