Shloka 8
अङ्गदस्य प्रायोपवेशननिश्चयः
Angada’s Resolve to Fast unto Death
राज्ये पुत्रः प्रतिष्ठाप्यस्सगुणो विगुणोऽपि वा।कथं शत्रुकुलीनं मां सुग्रीवो जीवयिष्यति।।।।
rājye putraḥ pratiṣṭhāpyaḥ saguṇo viguṇo 'pi vā |
kathaṃ śatrukulīnaṃ māṃ sugrīvo jīvayiṣyati ||
No reino, deve-se estabelecer o filho do rei, seja ele virtuoso ou desprovido de virtudes. Como Sugrīva me deixará viver, se nasci na linhagem de seu inimigo?
'If I am the king's son, virtuous or otherwise, I will be installed in the kingdom (as successor). How can Sugriva suffer me to live when I am his enemy's descendant?
FAQs
It invokes a political-dharmic norm of succession: the king’s son is a natural claimant to be established, implying that power struggles often override dharma and endanger rightful heirs.
Angada reasons that, since he is Vālin’s son, Sugrīva may see him as a threat; therefore returning empty-handed could mean death.
Prudence and realistic appraisal of political danger, alongside the dharmic expectation of rightful succession.