Shloka 19
भीष्म-द्रोणादिभिः पाण्डवसेनाक्षयकाल-निर्णयः | Time-estimates for the depletion of the Pāṇḍava forces
Bhīṣma–Droṇa council
वणिजो गणिकाश्षारा ये चैव प्रेक्षका जना: । सर्वास्तान् कौरवो राजा विधिवत् प्रत्यवैक्षत,वहाँ जो वणिक्, गणिकाएँ, गुप्तचर तथा दर्शक मनुष्य आते थे, उन सबकी कुरुराज दुर्योधन विधिपूर्वक देखभाल करता था
vaṇijo gaṇikāś cārā ye caiva prekṣakā janāḥ | sarvāṁs tān kauravo rājā vidhivat pratyavaikṣata ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana dijo: Mercaderes, cortesanas, espías y también los diversos espectadores que acudían allí: a todos ellos el rey kuru Duryodhana los atendía debidamente y los cuidaba conforme al protocolo establecido. El verso destaca su cuidadosa administración de gentes de toda condición reunidas en torno a la corte, incluidos quienes podían influir en la información y en la percepción pública.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores a facet of rājadharma: a ruler maintains order by regulated, protocol-based oversight of all who circulate around the court—especially groups tied to commerce, entertainment, intelligence-gathering, and public opinion. Ethical tension arises because such efficiency can serve either dharma or adharma depending on the ruler’s aims.
Vaiśampāyana describes Duryodhana’s arrangements: whoever came into his sphere—merchants, courtesans, spies, and spectators—was systematically supervised and provided for. It portrays the Kaurava camp as organized and attentive to both logistics and information networks.