Shloka 2.8.11

मन्थराकैकेयीसंवादः — Mantharā’s Counsel to Kaikeyī (Ayodhyā’s Succession Alarm)

Devanagari script

एवं चेत्त्वं सहास्माभिस्तस्याः प्रेष्या भविष्यसि।पुत्रश्च तव रामस्य प्रेष्यभावं गमिष्यति।।2.8.11।।

Transliteration

evaṃ cet tvaṃ sahāsmābhis tasyāḥ preṣyā bhaviṣyasi | putraś ca tava rāmasya preṣyabhāvaṃ gamiṣyati || 2.8.11 ||

Translation

If things go thus, you will become her servant along with us—and your son too will sink into servitude to Rama.

Context

If you thus become her attendant along with us, your son will also develop slavishness towards Rama.

Characters & Entities

• Manthara
• Kaikeyi
• Rama
• Kaikeyi’s son (Bharata, implied)

FAQs

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

The verse demonstrates unethical persuasion: appealing to pride and fear to overturn rightful order, rather than honoring truth and justice.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā escalates her argument, insisting that Kaikeyi and Bharata will be reduced in status if Rama becomes king.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The need for loyalty to dharma over ego—resisting decisions rooted in status-anxiety.