Shloka 10
Sandhi–Vigraha in Āpada: The Mouse and the Cat (सन्धिविग्रहापदि—मूषकमार्जारसंवादः)
बहूनि च सहस्राणि ग्रामणित्वेडभिवव्रिरे । निर्मर्यादानि दस्यूनां निरनुक्रोशवर्तिनाम्
bahūni ca sahasrāṇi grāmaṇitved abhivavrirē | nirmaryādāni dasyūnāṁ niranukrośavartinām ||
भीष्म उवाच—बहूनि च सहस्राणि दस्यूनां निर्मर्यादानां निरनुक्रोशवर्तिनाम् । ग्रामणित्वेऽभिवव्रिरे तं चोपेत्याब्रुवन्—अस्माकं ग्रामणीर्भव इति ॥
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Lawlessness is marked by the rejection of maryādā (ethical and social boundaries) and anukrośa (compassion). When such people seek a leader, it underscores the need for righteous governance: power should not be used to organize cruelty but to uphold restraint and protect society.
Bhishma describes a situation where thousands of ruthless bandits approach a person and request him to become their chief (grāmaṇi). The verse sets up a contrast between organized wrongdoing and the dharmic ideal of leadership grounded in compassion and limits.