Shloka 2.67.10

अयोध्यायां शोक-रात्रिः तथा अराजक-राष्ट्रस्य नीतिविचारः (The Night of Lamentation in Ayodhya and the Political Ethics of a Kingless Realm)

Devanagari script

नाराजके जनपदे बीजमुष्टिः प्रकीर्यते।नाराजके पितुः पुत्रो भार्या वा वर्तते वशे।।।।

Transliteration

nārājake janapade bījamuṣṭiḥ prakīryate | nārājake pituḥ putro bhāryā vā vartate vaśe ||

Translation

In a land without a king, not even a handful of seed is properly sown. In a kingless realm, even a son or a wife does not remain under the father’s guidance.

Context

Where there is no king, even a handful of seeds will not be sown (will not sprout). In a kingless kingdom, a son or a wife will not obey the father (head of the family).

Characters & Entities

• Janapada (the realm/kingdom)
• Rājā (king, as institution)

FAQs

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

Rājadharma is necessary for everyday dharma: agriculture, family discipline, and social stability depend on legitimate authority that restrains disorder.

What is the narrative situation?

In the wake of Daśaratha’s death and political uncertainty, speakers stress the dangers of a kingless state.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The virtue of responsible governance: a king’s presence enables order, duty, and mutual obligations to function.