Shloka 18
सहदेव-दक्षिण-दिग्विजयः — Sahadeva’s Southern Conquest and the Māhiṣmatī–Agni Encounter
स विनिर्जित्य राज्ञस्तान् करे च विनिवेश्य तु । धनान्यादाय सर्वेभ्यो रत्नानि विविधानि च
sa vinirjitya rājñas tān kare ca viniveśya tu | dhanāny ādāya sarvebhyo ratnāni vividhāni ca ||
Vaiśampāyana dijo: Tras someter a aquellos reyes, les impuso tributo y luego los restituyó en sus propios reinos. De todos tomó riquezas y gemas de muchas clases.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a dharmic model of conquest: victory is followed by the regulated collection of tribute (kara) and the restoration of defeated rulers to their positions, emphasizing political order and restraint rather than annihilation.
During the campaign connected with Yudhiṣṭhira’s imperial rite, Arjuna subdues kings, levies tribute, collects wealth and jewels, and allows the rulers to continue governing under acknowledged supremacy.