Shloka 2.100.36

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

Devanagari script

कच्चिदष्टादशान्येषु स्वपक्षे दश पञ्च च।त्रिभिस्त्रिभिरविज्ञातैर्वेत्सि तीर्थानि चारकैः।।।।

Transliteration

kaccid aṣṭādaśa anyeṣu svapakṣe daśa pañca ca | tribhis tribhir avijñātair vetsi tīrthāni cārakaiḥ ||

Translation

Do you, through spies who cannot be recognized—three assigned to each post—keep yourself informed about the vital offices: the eighteen on the enemy’s side and the fifteen within your own camp?

Context

I hope you collect information (of their secret efforts) intelligently through unrecognisable spies with three of them closely watching each of the eighteen officials (there are eighteen categories of officials in a kingdom) of the enemy's side and fifteen(officials) on your side.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• tīrthāni (state offices)
• cāraka (spies)

FAQs

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

Rājadharma: a ruler must protect the realm through prudent vigilance—gathering truthful intelligence without endangering public order.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma, living in exile, questions Bharata about responsible governance and whether he maintains effective intelligence on both enemies and internal administration.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and foresight (nīti/jñāna): disciplined, methodical attention to security and administration.