Shloka 11
Sandhi–Vigraha in Āpada: The Mouse and the Cat (सन्धिविग्रहापदि—मूषकमार्जारसंवादः)
दस्यव ऊचु: मुहूर्तदेशकालज्ञ: प्राज्ञ: शूरो दृढब्रतः । ग्रामणीर्भव नो मुख्य: सर्वेषामेव सम्मत:
dasyava ūcuḥ: muhūrtadeśakālajñaḥ prājñaḥ śūro dṛḍhavrataḥ | grāmaṇīr bhava no mukhyaḥ sarveṣām eva sammataḥ ||
盗匪们说：“你通晓时机、地势与时日；你有智慧，勇武无畏，誓愿坚固。因此，经我们众人一致同意，请你做我们的首领——众所公认的领袖。”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even a morally compromised group recognizes the practical virtues required for leadership—discernment of time and place, wisdom, courage, and steadfastness. The verse highlights that effective leadership is grounded in competence and collective consent, though the ethical use of such qualities remains decisive for dharma.
A group of bandits addresses a capable person and, impressed by his strategic judgment and personal qualities, urges him—by unanimous agreement—to become their chief and principal leader.