Shloka 29
अतिकायवधः
The Slaying of Atikāya
अश्वपृष्ठेरथेनागेखडगेधनुषिकर्षणे ।भेदेसान्त्वे च दाने च नयेमन्त्रे च सम्मतः ।।।।
aśvapṛṣṭhe rathe nāge khaḍge dhanuṣi karṣaṇe | bhede sāntve ca dāne ca naye mantre ca sammataḥ ||
On le tenait pour expert à cheval, sur les chars et sur les éléphants ; habile à l’épée et à l’arc, et tout autant versé dans l’art de diviser, de concilier, d’accorder des dons, de gouverner avec prudence et de donner conseil.
"He is best in riding on horseback, on elephant back and in the use of sword and bow. He is capable of sowing dissension, making peace, giving charity and statecraft."
FAQs
The tools of nīti (policy)—conciliation, gifts, even division—must be governed by Dharma; otherwise statecraft becomes manipulation in service of adharma.
Vibhishana enumerates the opponent’s comprehensive skills in warfare and political strategy.
Competence and versatility (dakṣatā) are emphasized—both martial and diplomatic—highlighting the seriousness of the threat Rama faces.