Shloka 2.100.23

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

Devanagari script

सहस्राण्यपि मूर्खाणां युद्युपास्ते महीपतिः।अथवाप्ययुतान्येव नास्ति तेषु सहायता।।।।

Transliteration

sahasrāṇy api mūrkhāṇāṃ yady upāste mahīpatiḥ | athavāpy ayutāny eva nāsti teṣu sahāyatā ||

Translation

Even if a king seeks support from thousands of fools—or even tens of thousands—there is no real assistance to be found among them.

Context

Even if the king seeks the assistance from thousands or tens of thousands of fools, they cannot render any help to him.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Bharata
• mahīpati (king)

FAQs

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

Dharma in administration requires discernment: numbers without competence become a burden, not support, and can mislead a ruler away from truth and right action.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma reinforces his teaching on counsel by contrasting the futility of many foolish advisors with the value of true wisdom.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discrimination (viveka): choosing capability over popularity.