Shloka 2.67.22

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 वणिजो दूरगामिनः।गच्छन्ति क्षेममध्वानं बहुपण्यसमाचिताः।।।।

Transliteration

nārājake janapade vaṇijo dūragāminaḥ | gacchanti kṣemam adhvānaṃ bahupaṇyasamācitāḥ ||

Translation

In a land without a king, merchants who journey far, laden with many kinds of goods, cannot travel the roads in safety.

Context

In a country without a king merchants travelling long distances with several kinds of saleable goods cannot go safely on their way.

Characters & Entities

• vaṇij (merchants)
• adhvan (roads/journey)
• paṇya (trade goods)

FAQs

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

A king’s dharma includes protecting lawful livelihoods; when rule collapses, security vanishes and honest commerce cannot function.

What is the narrative situation?

The council describes practical harms of an unruled state, highlighting insecurity on highways and disruption of trade.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Protectiveness and justice in governance—ensuring safe passage and preventing predation on travelers.