Shloka 121
Nāradasya Rājadharma-praśnāḥ
Nārada’s Examination of Royal Ethics
कच्चित् सूत्राणि सर्वाणि गृह्नासि भरतर्षभ । हस्तिसूत्रा श्वसूत्राणि रथसूत्राणि वा विभो
kaccit sūtrāṇi sarvāṇi gṛhṇāsi bharatarṣabha | hastisūtrā śvasūtrāṇi rathasūtrāṇi vā vibho ||
那罗陀说道：“婆罗多族之雄牛啊，你是否勤勉研习并牢记一切提纲挈领、阐明实用法则的诸《经》——如《象经》《马经》《车经》等？大力者啊，你是否使这些技艺恒常操练、不令荒废？”
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler’s dharma includes disciplined learning and continual practice of practical sciences (especially those tied to governance and defense). Mastery of such ‘sūtras’ is presented as an ethical responsibility: competence protects subjects and prevents reckless rule.
The sage Nārada is examining the king/prince’s readiness for rule by asking pointed ‘kaccit’ questions. Here he checks whether the addressee keeps up systematic study of technical manuals—elephant, horse, and chariot lore—implying comprehensive training in royal and military administration.