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 dit : Marchands, courtisanes, espions, et aussi les divers spectateurs qui s’y rendaient — tous étaient dûment reçus et convenablement pris en charge par le roi kuru Duryodhana, selon le protocole établi. Le vers met en lumière sa gestion attentive des gens de toute condition rassemblés autour de la cour, y compris ceux capables d’influer sur l’information et l’opinion publique.
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.