Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 36, Shloka 21
अयोध्याकाण्डे षट्त्रिंशः सर्गः
Daśaratha’s orders for Rama’s escort; Kaikeyi’s fear; the Asamañjasa precedent
तानुवाच ततो राजा किन्निमित्तमिदं भयम्।ताश्चापि राज्ञा सम्पृष्टा वाक्यं प्रकृतयोऽब्रुवन्।।।।
tān uvāca tato rājā kin-nimittam idaṃ bhayam | tāś cāpi rājñā sampṛṣṭā vākyaṃ prakṛtayo 'bruvan ||2.36.21||
Alors le roi leur dit : «Pour quelle raison cette crainte ?» Et, interrogés par le roi, les sujets répondirent en ces paroles.
The king then asked them, 'Why this fear?'. And the citizens responded:
FAQs
A dharmic ruler listens and inquires: kingship requires responsiveness to subjects’ distress and willingness to investigate wrongdoing rather than dismiss complaints.
After citizens issue an ultimatum, the king asks the cause of their fear, prompting their formal complaint.
Attentive governance—openness to hearing grievances and seeking reasons before judgment.