Sambodhi 2004 Vol 27

Author(s): J B Shah, N M Kansara
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 26

20
RAJALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN
SAMBODHI
Decision taking is also very well depicted in the court scene of Rāvana where he requested his brother Kumbhakarna to help him to fight against his enemies, Rāma and his military forces. When Rāvana requested him to give a proper plan so that he did not give back Sītā and also kill Rāma and Laksamana. 'adeyā ca yathā Sītā vadhyou daśaratātmajau' (VR VI 2,25), he wanted to achieve both fruits at one stroke. At that time kumbhakarņa got angry and uttered:
'O ! king if one does the work after a long and deep thought with proper justice he will never regret the decision he has taken. But without knowing the sequence of work one, who does wrong deeds in a haphazard way without knowing the science of statecraft, would brood over his own decision and fail in all his endeavours. Here, he hinted to his elder brother Rāvana that he should have asked his counselling even before he has abducted Sītā. That is the proper way of planning in decision making.
'Nyāyena rajakāryāņi yah karoti daśānana Na sa santapyate paścānniścitārtha matirnrpah Yah paścāt pūrvakāryāņi karmanyabhicikissati Pūrvam caparakāryāņi sa na veda nayānayau' (VR VI- 12, 31 & 32)
The protection of the country is also described in a proper way. In science of statecraft protection of the country from the enemies, preparation for war, are also important subjects to be dealt with. Even at times of peace vigilant security forces had to be maintained. A good king is always alert with military forces. In Sundara Kānda when Hanūmān entered Lankā in secrecy, he was roaming around the city and was watching the beauty and different features of Lankā the capital of Rāvana. There, he described how the city was protected with secret military forces hiding in secret places. He used 'guhām āsīvisairiva' for Lankā, it was like a tunnel full of venomous serpants, 'vapra prākāra jaghanam' a moat adored the city like a gridle, 'sataghni' guns, 'śüla' spears and many kinds of weapons are described and on seeing the city thus protected, Hanuman the greatest of warriors lost his confidence and wonderstruck as how to enter into the city, find out Sītā and take revenge on Rāvana. 'kenopayena paśyeyam maithilīm janakātmajām Hanumān tells Rāma 'nādeyam pārvatam vānyam krtrimam ca caturvidham'. Lankā was protected in all possible ways like water, mountains, forests and the artificial equipments like 'rathagajaturagapadadi' chariots, elephants, chivalry and soldiers. Even while describing Ayodhyā Valmiki says 'sarvayantrāyudhavatīm the city was filled with all types of ammunitions. 'sataghnisatasankulam' hu guns were there in that city, durgagambhiraparikhām durgamanyairdurāsadām' it