Shloka 2.112.12

पादुकाप्रदानम् (The Gift of the Sandals and Delegated Kingship)

Devanagari script

ज्ञातयश्च हि योधाश्च मित्राणि सुहृदश्च नः।त्वामेव प्रतिवीक्षन्ते पर्जन्यमिव कर्षकाः।।2.112.12।।

Transliteration

rakṣituṃ sumahad rājyam aham ekas tu notsahe | paurajānapadāṃś cāpi raktān rañjayituṃ tathā || 2.112.11 ||

Translation

Alone, I do not dare to safeguard this vast kingdom, nor can I by myself keep pleased the loyal citizens of the city and the countryside.

Context

All our relatives, warriors, friends and well-wishers long to see you like farmers yearn for the rain-cloud.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Rāma
• rājya (kingdom)
• paura (townspeople)
• jānapada (countryfolk)

FAQs

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

True authority is tied to fitness and rightful claim; Bharata expresses that rulership must be borne by the one best suited and legitimately entitled, not merely by circumstance.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata urges Rāma to return and take up kingship, confessing his inability to rule alone and to satisfy the people.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Anṛśaṃsya and vinaya—non-arrogance and humility—seen in Bharata’s refusal to grasp power and his concern for the people’s welfare.