Shloka 16
Ādi Parva, Adhyāya 178 — Royal Contestants Assemble; Cosmic Witnesses; The Bow Remains Unstrung
ददुः केचिद् द्विजातिभ्यो ज्ञात्वा क्षत्रियतो भयम् | भृगवस्तु ददुः केचित् तेषां वित्तं यथेप्सितम्,कुछने क्षत्रियोंस भय समझकर अपना धन ब्राह्मणोंको दे दिया और कुछ भृगुवंशियोंने उन क्षत्रियोंको यथेष्ट धन दे भी दिया
daduḥ kecid dvijātibhyo jñātvā kṣatriyato bhayam | bhṛgavastu daduḥ kecit teṣāṃ vittaṃ yathepsitam ||
Some, realizing the danger posed by the Kṣatriyas, gave their wealth to the twice-born (Brāhmaṇas) for safekeeping. Others—members of the Bhṛgu lineage—also provided those Kṣatriyas with as much wealth as they desired. The verse highlights how fear and political violence can drive the transfer of property, and how different groups respond—some by seeking protection through the Brāhmaṇas, others by appeasing power with gifts.
वसिष्ठ उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores how fear of coercive power can reshape ethical and social behavior: some seek refuge by entrusting wealth to Brāhmaṇas, while others attempt to avert harm by appeasing the powerful with gifts. It implicitly raises questions about dharma under threat—protection, responsibility, and the moral ambiguity of wealth transfers driven by fear.
In Vasiṣṭha’s account, people respond to the perceived danger from Kṣatriyas in two ways: some hand over their wealth to the twice-born (Brāhmaṇas), and some Bhṛgus give the Kṣatriyas wealth according to their desires—either as support or appeasement—showing differing strategies for survival amid tension.