Shloka 2.67.21

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 शरान्सन्ततमस्यताम्।श्रूयते तलनिर्घोष इष्वस्त्राणामुपासने।।।।

Transliteration

nārājake janapade śarān santatam asyatām | śrūyate talanirghoṣa iṣvastrāṇām upāsane ||

Translation

In a land without a king, the unbroken discipline of archery and arms wanes; one no longer hears the keen snap of the bowstring striking the hand-guard as arrows are loosed without pause.

Context

In a country without a king, the sounds of the ceaseless discharge of arrows and practice of weapons, the clappings of the cord on the skin shield of shooters throwing the arrows are no longer heard.

Characters & Entities

• janapada (realm)
• iṣvastra (missile-weapons)
• tala (protective hand-guard)

FAQs

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

Rajadharma: a rightful king sustains public discipline and preparedness; without governance, even constructive training for protection and duty falls silent.

What is the narrative situation?

After the crisis in Ayodhya, elders and counselors argue that the realm must not remain leaderless; they list concrete signs of decline in an unruled country.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Responsibility in leadership: the virtue of maintaining order and readiness so society can fulfill its duties (including defense) lawfully.