Shloka 33
धन-राजधर्म संवादः
Discourse on Wealth and Royal Duty
आसीदियं दिलीपस्य नृगस्य नहुषस्थ च
āsīd iyaṃ dilīpasya nṛgasya nahuṣasya ca | ambarīṣasya māndhātuś ca kramād iyam mahī ||
Arjuna dit : «Cette même terre passa jadis, tour à tour, sous la souveraineté des rois Dilīpa, Nṛga, Nahuṣa, Ambarīṣa et Māndhātṛ. À présent, elle est venue sous ton autorité. Ainsi as-tu obtenu l’occasion d’accomplir un sacrifice soutenu par la richesse, en offrant tout comme dakṣiṇā devant toi — acte qui proclame le devoir royal, la générosité et l’usage juste du pouvoir.»
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.