Shloka 2.48.21

अयोध्यायाः शोकवर्णनम् (Ayodhya’s Lament and Civic Desolation)

Devanagari script

कैकेय्या यदि चे द्राज्यं स्यादधर्म्यमनाथवत्।न हि नो जीवितेनार्थः कुतः पुत्रैः कुतो धनैः।।2.48.21।।

Transliteration

kaikeyyā yadi ced rājyaṁ syād adharmyam anāthavat |

na hi no jīvitenārthaḥ kutaḥ putraiḥ kuto dhanaiḥ || 2.48.21 ||

Translation

If this kingdom were to fall under Kaikeyī in an unrighteous way, leaving us like the unprotected, then life itself holds no value for us—what then of children, and what of wealth?

Context

If Kaikeyi rules this kingdom unethically, we do not want to live here like orphans. What is the use of our progeny or property (in such a place)?

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Kingdom (rājya)

FAQs

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

Legitimate rule must be dharmic; when governance is perceived as adharma, worldly goals (wealth, lineage, even life) lose meaning because protection and justice are foundational.

What is the narrative situation?

The citizens fear Kaikeyī’s ascendancy and interpret Rāma’s exile as an ethical collapse of the kingdom’s order.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The citizens’ commitment to dharmic legitimacy over material prosperity—valuing righteousness above life, wealth, or family advantage.