Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 67, Shloka 17
अयोध्यायां शोक-रात्रिः तथा अराजक-राष्ट्रस्य नीतिविचारः
The Night of Lamentation in Ayodhya and the Political Ethics of a Kingless Realm
नाराजके जनपदे उद्यानानि समागताः।सायाह्ने क्रीडितुं यान्ति कुमार्यो हेमभूषिताः।।।।
nārājake janapade udyānāni samāgatāḥ | sāyāhne krīḍituṃ yānti kumāryo hemabhūṣitāḥ ||
王なき国では、黄金の飾りを身に着けた乙女たちは、たとえ集まっていても、夕暮れに庭園へ遊びに出かけて楽しむことがない。
In a country without a king, pleasure-seeking men will not drive in the woods on swift-moving chariots with women.
FAQs
A dharmic ruler provides security enabling ordinary life—especially the safe movement of vulnerable members of society—without fear.
The speakers illustrate social insecurity under anarchy: even routine evening recreation in public gardens becomes impossible.
Protectiveness (rakṣā) as a royal virtue—good rule is measured by the safety of everyday citizens.