Shloka 33
धन-राजधर्म संवादः
Discourse on Wealth and Royal Duty
आसीदियं दिलीपस्य नृगस्य नहुषस्थ च,पहले यह पृथ्वी बारी-बारीसे राजा दिलीप, नृग, नहुष, अम्बरीष और मान्धाताके अधिकारमें रही है, वही इस समय आपके अधीन हो गयी है। अत: आपके समक्ष सर्वस्वकी दक्षिणा देकर द्रव्यमय यज्ञके अनुष्ठान करनेका अवसर प्राप्त हुआ है
āsīd iyaṃ dilīpasya nṛgasya nahuṣasya ca | ambarīṣasya māndhātuś ca kramād iyam mahī ||
Arjuna dijo: «Esta misma tierra pasó antaño, por turno, bajo la soberanía de los reyes Dilīpa, Nṛga, Nahuṣa, Ambarīṣa y Māndhātṛ. Ahora ha venido a quedar bajo tu dominio. Por ello has obtenido la ocasión de celebrar un sacrificio sostenido por la riqueza, entregándolo todo como dakṣiṇā ante ti: un acto que proclama la responsabilidad real, la generosidad y el uso ético del poder.»
अर्जुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Political power is ethically validated by dharmic conduct—especially generosity and the proper use of wealth through yajña and dakṣiṇā. By recalling exemplary kings, the verse frames sovereignty as a trust that should culminate in public-spirited giving and ritual responsibility.
Arjuna addresses the ruler before him, reminding him that the earth has historically passed through the hands of famed kings. Since the realm is now under his authority, Arjuna urges him toward a grand, wealth-supported sacrifice with abundant gifts, aligning present rule with revered models of righteous kingship.