Shloka 2.100.16

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

Devanagari script

मन्त्रो विजयमूलं हि राज्ञां भवति राघव।सुसंवृतो मन्त्रधरैरमात्यै श्शास्त्रकोविदैः।।।।

Transliteration

mantro vijayamūlaṃ hi rājñāṃ bhavati rāghava | susaṃvṛto mantradharair amātyaiḥ śāstrakovidaiḥ ||

Translation

O Rāghava, counsel is indeed the root of a king’s victory—especially when it is well-guarded by ministers who can keep counsel and are learned in the śāstras.

Context

O Bharata! the well-guarded advice of ministers, learned in scriptures and capable of proper counselling, is the root of victory for kings, specially when the advice is kept in confidence.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Bharata (addressed as Rāghava)
• Ministers (amātya/mantrin)
• Śāstra

FAQs

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

Dharma in governance includes responsible confidentiality: wise counsel must be protected so decisions serve the common good rather than being distorted by intrigue.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma instructs Bharata on practical rāja-dharma: victory and stability arise from disciplined deliberation and trustworthy advisers.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment and discretion—valuing knowledgeable counsel and safeguarding it from misuse.