Shloka 4.17.29

वालिवधः — Vālī’s Fall and Dharma-Accusation (Kiṣkindhā Sarga 17)

Devanagari script

वयं वनचरा राम मृगा मूलफलाशना:।एषा प्रकृतिरस्माकं पुरुषस्त्वं नरेश्वरः।।

Transliteration

sāma dānaṃ kṣamā dharmas satyaṃ dhṛtiparākramau | pārthivānāṃ guṇā rājan daṇḍaś cāpy aparādhiṣu || 4.17.28 ||

Translation

Conciliation, generosity, forbearance, dharma, truth, steadfast courage—and also punishment for offenders: these are the acknowledged qualities of kings, O prince.

Context

'O Rama! we are mere animals wandering in the forest and living on roots and fruits. This is our nature. (But) you are a lord of men.

Characters & Entities

• Vāli
• Rāma
• daṇḍa (punitive power)

FAQs

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

Rājadharma: kings must balance gentler means (sāma, dāna, kṣamā) with truthful righteousness and measured punishment only for actual wrongdoing.

What is the narrative situation?

Vāli frames his critique as a lesson in the proper duties and virtues expected of rulers.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthfulness and disciplined governance—punishment is legitimate only when ethically grounded.