Shloka 4.54.11

अङ्गद-उपदेशः — Hanuman’s Counsel to Angada on Succession and Strategy

Devanagari script

त्वां नैतेह्यनुयुञ्जेयु: प्रत्यक्षं प्रवदामि ते।यथायं जाम्बवान्नीलस्सुहोत्रश्च महाकपिः।।4.54.10।।न ह्यहं ते इमे सर्वे सामदानादिभिर्गुणैः।दण्डेन वा त्वया शक्यास्सुग्रीवादपकर्षितम्।।4.54.11।।

Transliteration

na hy ahaṃ te ime sarve sāmadānādibhir guṇaiḥ |

daṇḍena vā tvayā śakyāḥ sugrīvād apakarṣitum || 4.54.11 ||

Translation

For neither I nor all these can be turned away from Sugrīva by you—whether through sāma and dāna, conciliatory means and gifts, or even by daṇḍa, force.

Context

'This I am telling you openly and frankly. These monkeys are not going to be obedient to you. Neither Jambavan, nor Nila nor the great monkey Suhotra nor even myself would subscribe to this opinion (of staying in the cave) and follow you. It is not possible for you to keep us or these monkeys from Sugriva through the policy of appeasement like Sama, Dana, Bheda or even Danda (persuasion, giving gifts, creating differences or imposing punishment).

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• vānaras (monkeys)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is loyalty to rightful leadership and truthfully acknowledging limits: one should not attempt to detach a community from its legitimate king through manipulation or coercion.

What is the narrative situation?

Aṅgada is being warned that the vānaras will not abandon Sugrīva’s command; counsel is given to prevent a rash, isolating decision (such as hiding/withdrawing).

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Frank counsel (satya-vacana) and political prudence (nīti): the speaker states plainly what is and is not feasible, to avert ruinous choices.