Shloka 24
Bhīmasena’s Digvijaya and Tribute Return (भीमस्य दिग्विजयः धननिवेदनं च)
प्रागुत्तरां दिशं ये च वसन्त्याश्रित्य दस्यव: । निवसन्ति वने ये च तान् सर्वानजयत् प्रभु:,ईशान कोणका आश्रय ले जो लुटेरे या डाकू वनमें निवास करते थे, उन सबको शक्तिशाली धनंजयने जीतकर वशमें कर लिया
prāguttarāṃ diśaṃ ye ca vasanty āśritya dasyavaḥ | nivasanti vane ye ca tān sarvān ajayat prabhuḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana disse: Aqueles saqueadores que haviam buscado refúgio na direção nordeste, e os que habitavam nas florestas—sobre todos eles prevaleceu o poderoso senhor (Dhanañjaya/Arjuna), conquistando‑os e trazendo‑os ao seu domínio. A narrativa enquadra a campanha de Arjuna como restauração da ordem, ao subjugar bandos predatórios que perturbam a vida legítima e a segurança.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler’s duty includes protecting society by restraining those who live by plunder. Subduing banditry is presented as restoring dharmic order and safety, not merely expanding power.
During Arjuna’s campaign of conquest, he defeats and brings under control bands of marauders living in the north‑eastern regions and in forests, clearing threats to settled communities and royal authority.