Shloka 4.55.8

अङ्गदस्य प्रायोपवेशननिश्चयः (Angada’s Resolve to Fast unto Death)

Devanagari script

राज्ये पुत्रः प्रतिष्ठाप्यस्सगुणो विगुणोऽपि वा।कथं शत्रुकुलीनं मां सुग्रीवो जीवयिष्यति।।।।

Transliteration

rājye putraḥ pratiṣṭhāpyaḥ saguṇo viguṇo 'pi vā |

kathaṃ śatrukulīnaṃ māṃ sugrīvo jīvayiṣyati ||

Translation

In the kingdom, the king’s son—whether endowed with virtues or lacking them—should be installed. How will Sugrīva ever let me live, when I am born of his enemy’s line?

Context

'If I am the king's son, virtuous or otherwise, I will be installed in the kingdom (as successor). How can Sugriva suffer me to live when I am his enemy's descendant?

Characters & Entities

• Angada
• Sugrīva
• Vālin (implied as the enemy-line)
• Rājya (kingship)

FAQs

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

It invokes a political-dharmic norm of succession: the king’s son is a natural claimant to be established, implying that power struggles often override dharma and endanger rightful heirs.

What is the narrative situation?

Angada reasons that, since he is Vālin’s son, Sugrīva may see him as a threat; therefore returning empty-handed could mean death.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and realistic appraisal of political danger, alongside the dharmic expectation of rightful succession.