Shloka 2.100.48

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

Devanagari script

तेषां गुप्तिपरीहारैः कच्चित्ते भरणं कृतम्।रक्ष्या हि राज्ञा धर्मेण सर्वे विषयवासिनः।।।।

Transliteration

teṣāṃ guptiparīhāraiḥ kaccit te bharaṇaṃ kṛtam |

rakṣyā hi rājñā dharmeṇa sarve viṣayavāsinaḥ || 2.100.48 ||

Translation

Have you secured their livelihood by protection and by warding off hardships? For all who dwell within the realm must indeed be guarded by the king in accordance with dharma.

Context

I trust you nourish them and also afford portection and prevent adversities. A king must protect all those people living in his country in accordanc with righteousness.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• viṣaya (the realm)

FAQs

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

The king’s dharma is protective care: not only punishing wrongs but proactively preventing suffering and ensuring the people’s basic maintenance.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma instructs/assesses Bharata’s governance, stressing that the ruler is responsible for the safety and welfare of all residents.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Duty-bound compassion (dayā with discipline): governance that combines security measures with righteous responsibility.