Shloka 1.7.1

अमात्य-गुणवर्णनम् (The Virtues of Daśaratha’s Ministers and the Order of Governance)

Devanagari script

.तस्यामात्या गुणैरासन्निक्ष्वाकोस्तु महात्मन: ।मन्त्रज्ञाश्चेङ्गितज्ञाश्च नित्यं प्रियहिते रता: ।।।।

Transliteration

tasyāmātyā guṇair āsann ikṣvākos tu mahātmanaḥ | mantrajñāś ceṅgitajñāś ca nityaṃ priyahite ratāḥ ||

Translation

That magnanimous king of the Ikṣvāku line had ministers rich in virtues—skilled in counsel, skilled in reading intentions from outward signs, and ever intent on what was both pleasing and beneficial to their lord.

Context

The ministers of the great descendent of the Ikshvakus were endowed with all virtues. They were competent counsellors, skilled in judging motives from facial features and were always intent on doing good and all that was dear and helpful to the king.

Characters & Entities

• Ikṣvāku dynasty
• Daśaratha (implied as the Ikṣvāku king)
• Ayodhyā (context of Sarga)

FAQs

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

Rajadharma depends on virtuous ministers who pursue not merely what pleases the king, but what truly benefits him and the realm—uniting priya (pleasant) with hita (wholesome good).

What is the narrative situation?

The narrator is describing the strength of Daśaratha’s rule by highlighting the caliber and ethical competence of his ministers.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Ministerial integrity and discernment: wise counsel, insight into motives, and steady commitment to the king’s welfare.