Srimad Bhagavatam — Prathama Skandha, Shloka 12
Parīkṣit Confronts Kali; Dharma and Bhūmi Lament Kṛṣṇa’s Departure
भद्राश्वं केतुमालं च भारतं चोत्तरान् कुरून् । किम्पुरुषादीनि वर्षाणि विजित्य जगृहे बलिम् ॥ १२ ॥
bhadrāśvaṁ ketumālaṁ ca bhārataṁ cottarān kurūn kimpuruṣādīni varṣāṇi vijitya jagṛhe balim
महाराज परीक्षितांनी भद्राश्व, केतुमाल, भारत, उत्तरकुरु, किम्पुरुष इत्यादी सर्व वर्षे जिंकून तेथील राजांकडून बलि (कर) स्वीकारला।
Bhadrāśva: It is a tract of land near Meru Parvata, and it extends from Gandha-mādana Parvata to the saltwater ocean. There is a description of this varṣa in the Mahābhārata ( Bhīṣma-parva 7.14-18). The description was narrated by Sañjaya to Dhṛtarāṣṭra.
FAQs
This verse states that Parīkṣit conquered major varṣas such as Bhadrāśva, Ketumāla, Bhārata, Uttara-Kuru and regions like Kimpuruṣa, and then accepted their tribute—indicating sovereign, dharma-based kingship.
As a universal monarch acting in rāja-dharma, he maintained order and protection; the tribute represents acknowledged authority and support for righteous governance rather than exploitative taxation.
Leadership should be grounded in responsibility and protection: authority is legitimate when it serves the welfare of others, and resources collected should support dharma and public good.