Shloka 2.80.12

मर्गनिर्माणम् (Roadworks and the Royal Route Prepared for Bharata)

Devanagari script

निर्जलेषु च देशेषु खानयामासुरुत्तमान्।उदपानान्बहुविधान्वेदिकापरिमण्डितान्।।।।

Transliteration

nirjaleṣu ca deśeṣu khānayāmāsur uttamān |

udapānān bahuvidhān vedikāparimaṇḍitān ||

Translation

And in waterless regions they had excellent wells dug—many kinds of drinking-water wells—encircled and finished with raised platforms and protective embankments.

Context

In arid places, various good drinking-water-wells surrounded by dykes were dug.

Characters & Entities

• udapāna (wells)
• vedikā (platform/embankment)
• Bharata (implied by sarga context)

FAQs

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

Compassionate duty: providing drinking water in arid places is a classic dharmic act, aligning governance with protection of life and alleviation of suffering.

What is the narrative situation?

Preparations for Bharata’s travel include digging and finishing wells where water is scarce.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Care for dependents and travelers—thoughtful provisioning that anticipates human need.