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 ||
Ia dipandang mahir menunggang kuda, mengemudi kereta perang, dan menaklukkan gajah; terampil memakai pedang dan busur, serta cakap dalam memecah-belah musuh, mendamaikan, memberi anugerah, menjalankan siasat, dan merumuskan nasihat serta mantra kebijakan.
"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.