Shloka 2.100.20

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

Devanagari script

कच्चित्तु सुकृतान्येव कृतरूपाणि वा पुनः।विदुस्ते सर्वकार्याणि न कर्तव्यानि पार्थिवाः।।।।

Transliteration

kaccit tu sukṛtāny eva kṛtarūpāṇi vā punaḥ | vidus te sarvakāryāṇi na kartavyāni pārthivāḥ ||

Translation

Do other kings learn of your undertakings only when they have already been successfully carried out—or are on the verge of success—so that what still remains to be done is not disclosed to them beforehand?

Context

I trust, other kings come to know of your endeavours only when your endeavours suceed or about to succeed. I hope, efforts intended to be made in future are not revealed to them beforehand.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Bharata
• pārthiva (other kings)

FAQs

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

Dharma in rulership includes protecting the realm through discretion: revealing plans prematurely invites harm, whereas revealing outcomes after success preserves stability and truthfulness in governance.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma continues his checklist of prudent kingship, focusing on strategic secrecy against rival rulers.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Foresight and strategic restraint: the capacity to act effectively without advertising intentions.