Shloka 3
जनक–ब्राह्मणसंवादः
Viṣaya, Mamatva, and Self-Mastery
इत्युक्त: प्रत्युवाचाथ ब्राह्मणो राजसत्तमम् | आचक्ष्व विषयं राजन् यावांस्तव वशे स्थित:,; बन्-+ ना ० ऑन ि-ण >जा 9 32% /५ 2) 28 ८ यह सुनकर ब्राह्मणने उस श्रेष्ठ राजाको उत्तर दिया--“महाराज! आपके अधिकारमें जितना देश है, उसकी सीमा बताइये
ity uktaḥ pratyuvācātha brāhmaṇo rājasattamam | ācakṣva viṣayaṃ rājan yāvāṃs tava vaśe sthitaḥ ||
Thus addressed, the brāhmaṇa replied to the best of kings: “O King, declare the extent of your realm—how much territory lies under your control.”
ब्राह्मण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds responsible kingship: before any further request or counsel, the brāhmaṇa asks the king to state clearly the limits of his authority and territory, implying that ethical action and obligations should be framed within one’s actual jurisdiction and capacity.
In response to what was said previously, the brāhmaṇa addresses the king respectfully and asks him to specify the extent of the land under his control—setting the factual basis for the next step in their discussion.