Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 18
क्षत्रियेष्वाश्रितो धर्म: प्रजानां परिपालनम् । क्षत्राद् वृत्तित्राह्मिणानां तै: कथं ब्राह्मणो वर:
arjuna uvāca | kṣatriyeṣv āśrito dharmaḥ prajānāṁ paripālanam | kṣatrād vṛttir brāhmaṇānāṁ taiḥ kathaṁ brāhmaṇo varaḥ |
阿周那说道：“护民治民之法，系于刹帝利之身；婆罗门的生计亦出自刹帝利之阶。既如此，凭何道理说婆罗门更为尊上？”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames a dharma-based challenge: Arjuna argues from social function and dependence—since governance and protection (prajā-paripālana) are borne by Kshatriyas and Brahmanas often receive maintenance through the king’s support, he questions on what basis Brahmanas are called ‘superior’. It sets up a discussion on whether superiority is grounded in power and provision or in spiritual/ethical authority.
Arjuna is speaking in a dialogic context within the Anushasana Parva, raising a pointed doubt about varna hierarchy. He highlights the Kshatriya’s public duty of protecting the people and notes the Brahmana’s material dependence on royal support, using this to question the commonly asserted preeminence of Brahmanas.