Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 30, Shloka 17
शार्दूलचरवृत्तान्तः
Saardula’s Spy-Report on Rama’s Camp and the Vanara Host
कीदृशा: किंप्रभा: सौम्यवानरायेदुरासदाः ।कस्यपुत्राश्चपौत्राश्चतत्त्वमाख्याहिराक्षस:।। 6.30.17।।
kīdṛśāḥ kiṃprabhāḥ saumya vānarā ye durāsadāḥ | kasya putrāś ca pautrāś ca tattvam ākhyāhi rākṣasaḥ ||6.30.17||
“Wahai yang lembut budi, bagaimana para pejuang Wanara yang sukar ditandingi itu—bagaimana kekuatan dan cahaya kewibawaan mereka? Mereka putra dan cucu siapa? Wahai Raksasa, katakanlah kepadaku kebenarannya.”
"Likewise knowing their strengths and weaknesses from you I wish to know what to do. It is essential to know their numbers and strength before the war."
FAQs
Satya (truth) is explicitly invoked: accurate knowledge and truthful reporting are demanded as a basis for action.
Rāvaṇa presses Śārdūla for detailed intelligence: the nature, power, and lineage of the formidable Vānara leaders.
Truth-seeking and accountability in counsel: the king demands precise, factual assessment rather than vague praise or fear.