Shloka 48
गदायुद्धप्रतिज्ञा — The Vow and Terms of the Mace Duel
अस्त्विदानीमियं राजन् केवला पृथिवी तव । असहायो हि को राजा राज्यमिच्छेत् प्रशासितुम्,राजन्! अब यह सूनी पृथ्वी तुम्हारी ही रहे। कौन राजा सहायकोंसे रहित होकर राज्य- शासनकी इच्छा करेगा?
astv idānīm iyaṁ rājan kevalā pṛthivī tava | asahāyo hi ko rājā rājyam icchet praśāsitum, rājan ||
“Biarlah bumi ini kini menjadi milikmu seorang, wahai Raja. Kerana raja manakah, tanpa sekutu dan sokongan, akan ingin memerintah sebuah kerajaan?”
दुर्योधन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Rule is not sustained by territory alone; it requires supportive allies, ministers, and a network of loyalty. A king without assistance cannot effectively protect subjects or uphold rājadharma, so mere possession of the earth becomes an empty prize.
Duryodhana addresses a king (rājan) in a moment of crisis, implying that the realm may be left to him alone. The line reflects Duryodhana’s recognition that his cause is losing its supporting strength, and that governance without companions is both impractical and meaningless.