Shloka 2.52.40
गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम् (Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs)
सराममपि तावन्मे रथं दृष्ट्वा तदा जनः।विना रामं रथं दृष्ट्वा विदीर्येतापि सा पुरी।।2.52.40।।
sarāmam api tāvan me rathaṃ dṛṣṭvā tadā janaḥ |
vinā rāmaṃ rathaṃ dṛṣṭvā vidīryetāpi sā purī || 2.52.40 ||
The people, having seen my chariot then with Rama in it, will be shattered when they see the chariot returning without Rama; the city itself would as it were split with grief.
The people who had seen Rama board the chariot will be broken-hearted to see it without him.
Dharma highlights the reciprocal bond between ruler and people: the king’s virtue becomes the people’s emotional refuge, and his absence wounds the civic body.
Sumantra argues that returning alone will devastate Ayodhya, because the citizens witnessed Rama depart in the chariot.
Empathy for the populace—Sumantra considers not only orders but the human consequences for the city.