Shloka 11
Ballava (Bhīma) Seeks Employment as Royal Cook in Virāṭa’s Court
गोत्र च नामापि च शंस तत्त्वतः कि चापि शिल्पं तव विद्यते कृतम्,“अपने गोत्र और नाम भी ठीक-ठीक बताइये। साथ ही यह भी कहें कि आपने किस विद्या या कलामें कुशलता प्राप्त की है
gotraṃ ca nāmāpi ca śaṃsa tattvataḥ kiṃ cāpi śilpaṃ tava vidyate kṛtam
ヴァイシャンパーヤナは語った。「汝のゴートラ（氏族）と名を、ありのままに申せ。さらに、いかなる技芸・手わざを修めたのかも告げよ。」
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic expectations of truthful identity and accountable competence: one should be honest about who one is and what one can do, especially when seeking employment or protection.
In the Virāṭa episode, a newcomer is being questioned for credentials—lineage, name, and professional skill—before being admitted or assigned a role, reflecting the court’s need to assess trustworthiness and utility.