Shloka 1.7.19

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

Devanagari script

अवेक्षमाणश्चारेण प्रजा धर्मेण रञ्जयन् ।प्रजानां पालनं कुर्वन्नधर्मान्परिवर्जयन् ।।।।विश्रुतस्त्रिषु लोकेषु वदान्यस्सत्यसङ्गर: ।स तत्र पुरुषव्याघ्रश्शशास पृथिवीमिमाम् ।।।।

Transliteration

aṣṭau babhūvur vīrasya tasyāmātyā yaśasvinaḥ |

śucayaś cānuraktāś ca rājakṛtyeṣu nityaśaḥ ||

Translation

That mighty and renowned king (Daśaratha) had eight ministers—pure in conduct and loyally devoted—ever engaged in the duties of kingship.

Context

In the three worlds he (Dasaratha) was acclaimed in the three words as munificient and upholder of truth, a tiger among men, who ruled protecting and guarding the people through spies. He. ruled the kingdom with righteousness by deserting irreligious and keeping the subjects happy.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha

FAQs

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

Rajadharma depends on trustworthy governance: ministers should be ethically pure (śuci) and steadfastly devoted to public duty, ensuring the king’s rule remains aligned with righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

The narration describes Daśaratha’s administration, introducing the quality and number of his principal ministers as part of his well-ordered kingdom.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Administrative integrity and loyalty—ministers who are untainted in conduct and constant in service.