Shloka 11
Adhyāya 52 (Sabhā-parva): Vidura Invites Yudhiṣṭhira to Hastināpura for the Dice Match
कैरातकीनामयुतं दासीनां च विशाम्पते । आह्त्य रमणीयार्थान् दूरजान् मृगपक्षिण:
kairātakīnām ayutaṁ dāsīnāṁ ca viśāmpate | āhṛtya ramaṇīyārthān dūrajān mṛgapakṣiṇaḥ ||
Duryodhana berkata: “Wahai raja, pelindung rakyat! Mereka membawa sepuluh ribu dayang dari negeri Kirāta, beserta barang-barang yang elok serta hewan dan burung yang didatangkan dari negeri-negeri jauh, sebagai upeti.”
दुर्योधन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how kings measure status through tribute and rare acquisitions; ethically, it invites reflection on pride and the objectification of people and creatures as symbols of power rather than beings with dignity.
Duryodhana is describing (as part of a courtly report/complaint) the arrival of lavish tribute: ten thousand Kirāta maidservants and various pleasing goods, including animals and birds from distant lands, brought to the royal court.