Shloka 2.100.60

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

Devanagari script

कच्चिद्वृद्धांश्च बालांश्च वैद्यामुख्यांश्च राघव।दानेन मनसा वाचा त्रिभिरेतैर्बुभूषसे।।।।

Transliteration

kaccid vṛddhāṃś ca bālāṃś ca vaidyāmukhyāṃś ca rāghava | dānena manasā vācā tribhir etair bubhūṣase ||

Translation

O Rāghava, do you seek the kingdom’s well-being by nurturing the aged, the children, and the foremost among the learned—through gifts, goodwill, and kindly speech?

Context

O Bharata, I trust you wish to thrive by treating the old, children and foremost of learned people with the three expedients namely gifts, affection and kind words.

Characters & Entities

• Rāghava (Bharata)
• Elders
• Children
• Foremost learned/experts (vaidya-mukhya)

FAQs

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

A ruler’s dharma includes welfare: protecting the vulnerable and honoring learning through generosity, sincere regard, and respectful speech.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama tests Bharata’s adherence to compassionate governance, asking whether he supports key social groups through humane policies and conduct.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Benevolence—active care expressed through giving, empathy, and courteous communication.