Arthashastra 3.2.34: Dharmasthiya, Adhyaya 2, Sutra 34

Devanagari script

आपदर्थं हि स्त्रीधनम् ॥ कZ_०३.२.३४ ॥

Recitation with translationArthashastra 3.2.34

Transliteration

āpadarthaṃ hi strīdhanam

Translation

दहेज असल में मुसीबत के वक़्त का सहारा है। बुरा वक़्त आए तो काम आता है।

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Word by Word

• आपदर्थम्: for the purpose of an emergency / for times of distress
• Type: Noun (compound used adverbially)
• Root: आपद् + अर्थ
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग; एकवचन; द्वितीया; ‘आपदः अर्थः’ = आपदर्थम्; क्रियाविशेषणवत् (purpose: ‘for the purpose of…’)

• हि: indeed; for
• Type: Particle
• Root: हि
• Form: निपात; अव्यय; हेतौ/निश्चयार्थे (emphatic/causal particle: ‘indeed/for’)

• स्त्रीधनम्: a woman’s property (strīdhana)
• Type: Noun (compound)
• Root: स्त्री + धन
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग; एकवचन; प्रथमा; ‘स्त्रियाः धनम्’ = स्त्रीधनम्

Entities Mentioned

• strīdhana

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FAQs

How does this verse reflect a policy concept rather than mere morality?

It defines strīdhana as a legally recognized contingency fund, aligning private property rules with systemic resilience.