Shloka 71
Adhyāya 31: Rājasūya-samāgama — The Gathering of Kings and the Ordering of Hospitality
पाण्ड्यांश्व द्रविडांश्वैव सहितांश्षोण्ड्केरलै: | आन्ध्रांस्तालवनांश्वैव कलिज्ञनुष्टकर्णिकान्,पाण्ड्य, द्रविड, उण्ड्र, केरल, आन्ध्र, तालवन, कलिंग, उष्टरकर्णिक, रमणीय आटबवीपुरी तथा यवनोंके नगर--इन सबको उन्होंने दूतोंद्वारा ही वशमें कर लिया और सबको कर देनेके लिये विवश किया
pāṇḍyāṁś ca draviḍāṁś caiva sahitān uṇḍra-keralaiḥ | āndhrāṁs tālavanāṁś caiva kaliṅgān uṣṭakarṇikān ||
Sahadeva said: “The Pāṇḍyas and Draviḍas, together with the Uṇḍras and Keralas; the Āndhras and the Tālavanas; the Kaliṅgas and the Uṣṭakarṇikas—these and other forest-tract towns and even Yavana cities were brought under control by him through envoys alone, and all were compelled to render tribute.” In context, the verse highlights political subjugation achieved without immediate battle, emphasizing the pragmatic use of diplomacy to secure revenue and recognition of sovereignty.
सहदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores a facet of rājadharma: a ruler may secure order and rightful revenue through diplomacy and envoys, minimizing bloodshed while establishing acknowledged sovereignty and regular tribute.
Sahadeva is reporting the subjugation of multiple southern and eastern peoples/regions. Rather than direct warfare, the submission is described as achieved through messengers, resulting in those polities being compelled to pay tribute.