Shloka 2.61.11

कौसल्याविलापः — Kausalya’s Lament and Ethical Analogies on Kingship

Devanagari script

यदि पञ्चदशे वर्षे राघवः पुनरेष्यति।जह्याद्राज्यं च कोषं च भरतो नोपलक्षयते।।2.61.11।।

Transliteration

yadi pañcadaśe varṣe rāghavaḥ punar eṣyati |

jahyād rājyaṃ ca koṣaṃ ca bharato nopalakṣyate ||

Translation

Even if Rāghava returns in the fifteenth year, it does not seem that Bharata will relinquish the kingdom and the treasury.

Context

Even if Rama returns in the fifteenth year, it is unlikely that Bharata will give up the kingdom and royal treasury (in favour of Rama).

Characters & Entities

• Rāghava (Rāma)
• Bharata
• kingdom (rājya)
• treasury (koṣa)

FAQs

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

Dharma touches governance and legitimacy: rightful succession should be protected, and decisions must consider long-term justice, not merely immediate promises.

What is the narrative situation?

Kauśalyā fears that once Bharata is installed, power will not be returned to Rāma even after the exile term ends.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kauśalyā’s prudence and concern for justice—she highlights how political power can become sticky and ethically perilous.