Shloka 2.100.14

शततमः सर्गः — Rāma Questions Bharata on Rājadharma (Governance, Counsel, and Public Welfare)

Devanagari script

इष्वस्त्रवरसम्पन्नमर्थशास्त्र विशारदम्।सुधन्वानमुपाध्यायं कच्चित्त्वं तात मन्यसे।।।।

Transliteration

iṣvastravarasampannam arthaśāstra-viśāradam | sudhanvānam upādhyāyaṃ kaccit tvaṃ tāta manyase ||

Translation

Dear brother, do you show due regard for your teacher Sudhanvan—skilled in excellent weapons and accomplished in the Arthaśāstra, the science of polity?

Context

I hope you treat with respect Sudhanva who is equipped with the most formidable arrows and other weapons propelled by mantras and a master in the science of state-craft.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Bharata
• Sudhanvan
• Arthaśāstra (statecraft)
• Weapons (iṣvastra)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma in rulership includes disciplined learning: a king must respect teachers of both defense and governance so power is guided by knowledge, not impulse.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma checks whether Bharata maintains proper mentorship and training structures essential for protecting and administering the realm.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respect for learning and qualified instruction—an ideal of the disciplined ruler.