Shloka 27
The Glory of Truthful Oaths and Keeping One’s Promise
Satya & Pratijñā
कथं विप्राय ते कन्यां शूद्राय दातुमिच्छसि । अज्ञातायाकुलीनाय न ददस्व विशेषतः
kathaṃ viprāya te kanyāṃ śūdrāya dātumicchasi | ajñātāyākulīnāya na dadasva viśeṣataḥ
कथं विप्रस्त्वं ते कन्यां शूद्राय दातुमिच्छसि। अज्ञातायाकुलीनाय विशेषतो न ददस्व।
Unspecified (a speaker admonishing a brāhmaṇa father within the narrative dialogue)
Concept: Marriage is framed as a dharmic institution guarded by jāti/kula norms; giving a brāhmaṇa daughter to an unknown, ‘akulīna’ suitor is condemned in this narrative voice.
Application: In contemporary reading, extract the cautionary principle: verify character, responsibility, and compatibility before binding commitments; avoid rash decisions with unknown parties.
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A stern elder points a warning finger toward a conflicted brāhmaṇa father, while the daughter stands veiled behind a lattice, half-hidden like a fragile vow. The atmosphere is tense—voices raised, brows furrowed—suggesting a community trying to prevent a dharmic rupture.","primary_figures":["admonishing elder/kinsman","brāhmaṇa father","veiled maiden","onlooking relatives"],"setting":"family assembly hall with carved wooden screens, ritual marriage items set aside (garlands, water pot)","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["dark umber","lamp gold","crimson","ash white","muted teal"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: dramatic admonition scene—elder with authoritative gesture, brāhmaṇa father troubled, veiled maiden behind ornate screen; gold leaf highlights on lamp and jewelry, rich reds/greens, heavy architectural framing, expressive eyes and strong posture contrasts.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: tense domestic council with delicate lines—elder admonishing, father hesitant, maiden behind jali; cool shadows, refined textiles, subtle emotional expressions, courtyard trees visible, restrained palette with crimson accents.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines—admonisher in dynamic pose, father in contrition, maiden stylized behind screen; natural pigments, red/yellow/green dominance, temple-wall narrative clarity, heightened facial expressiveness.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: narrative panel with ornate floral border; figures arranged symmetrically but with a central admonishing gesture; deep blue ground, gold accents, lotus motifs subdued to keep the mood serious, peacocks at corners turned inward as silent witnesses."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"fast-dramatic","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["sharp hand-clap cue","murmuring crowd","single bell strike","tense silence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: dātumicchasi → dātum + icchasi; ajñātāyākulīnāya → ajñātāya + akulīnāya.
FAQs
It advises caution and discernment in arranging a marriage, warning against giving one’s daughter to someone considered socially unsuitable, especially if he is unknown and without reputable lineage.
Yes. The verse explicitly contrasts a brāhmaṇa context with giving a daughter to a śūdra, reflecting a traditional varṇa-based social norm presented in the text’s narrative voice.
It underscores that beyond social category, the prospective groom’s known character, family standing, and reliability are portrayed as crucial factors—hence the added warning ‘especially’ (viśeṣataḥ).