Shloka 6.30.17

शार्दूलचरवृत्तान्तः (Saardula’s Spy-Report on Rama’s Camp and the Vanara Host)

Devanagari script

कीदृशा: किंप्रभा: सौम्यवानरायेदुरासदाः ।कस्यपुत्राश्चपौत्राश्चतत्त्वमाख्याहिराक्षस:।। 6.30.17।।

Transliteration

evam uktvā mahātejā rāvaṇaḥ punar abravīt | caritā bhavatā senā ke 'tra śūrāḥ plavaṅgamāḥ ||6.30.16||

Translation

Having spoken thus, the mighty Rāvaṇa again said: “You have moved among their forces—who here among the Vānaras are the heroes?”

Context

"Gentle Saardula! Of those who are difficult to encounter, what is their description? Who are the powerful ones among them? Whose sons and grandsons, are they? You may speak."

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Śārdūla
• Vānaras (plavaṅgamāḥ)
• army (senā)

FAQs

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

Even in conflict, dharma values informed decision-making: assessing opponents realistically is part of responsible command, though it should serve a just cause.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa interrogates his spy about the Vānara army’s capable fighters after refusing to return Sītā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Practical prudence: gathering specific intelligence about adversaries before engaging in battle.