Shloka 2.80.7

मर्गनिर्माणम् (Roadworks and the Royal Route Prepared for Bharata)

Devanagari script

अवृक्षेषु च देशेषु केचिद्वृक्षानरोपयन्।केचित्कुठारैष्टङ्कैश्च दात्रैश्चिन्दन्क्वचित्क्वचित्।।।।

Transliteration

avṛkṣeṣu ca deśeṣu kecid vṛkṣān aropayan | kecit kuṭhāraiṣ ṭaṅkaiś ca dātraiś chindan kvacit kvacit ||

Translation

Some planted saplings in places without trees, while others, here and there, cut away the growth that hindered the way with axes, hatchets, and sickles.

Context

Some of them, planted saplings in places where there were none, while some others severed trees here and there with axes, hatchets and sickles.

FAQs

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

Dharma appears as responsible stewardship: improving common spaces by planting where needed and clearing what obstructs safe passage, emphasizing public welfare over private ease.

What is the narrative situation?

People are engaged in preparations—landscaping and clearing—so that movement and travel can proceed smoothly.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Collective diligence and civic-mindedness (lokahita): coordinated labor undertaken for the benefit of all.