nṛpo dāsān kṣāmyati

 

Translation of the Phrase

The phrase "nṛpo dāsān kṣāmyati" is composed of three Sanskrit words:

1. nṛpo (नृपो) – king or ruler. Derived from nṛpa, meaning “lord of men.”
2. dāsān (दासान्) – plural accusative of dāsa, meaning servants, slaves, or subjects.
3. kṣāmyati (क्षाम्यति) – verb meaning forgives, pardons, tolerates, or remits.

Together, this literally translates to:

“The king pardons the servants” or “The ruler forgives his subjects.”

Contextual Meaning

The phrase often appears in Dharmic or Sanskrit narratives describing 

righteous conduct of kings. In classical Sanskrit literature and texts 

like the Mahābhārata, Rāmāyaṇa, or Dharmashastra, the ritual and 

moral duty of a ruler (king) is to be just, merciful, and forgiving 

toward those under his rule.

• Ethical Context:
  It reflects the ideal of a kṣāmaśīla nṛpa—a king endowed with 
• forbearance and compassion. Forgiving minor offenses or mistakes 
• of servants or subjects is considered a sign of wisdom and dharmic 
• governance.
• Narrative Example:
  In texts like the Rāmāyaṇa (for example, references surrounding
• King Daśaratha), kings are described as living happily but being
• subject to the consequences of their actions, often tempered
• by acts of forgiveness or restraint.

Broader Philosophical Significance

• Sanskrit ethics often contrasts kṣāma (forgiveness/tolerance) 
• with krodha (anger).
• The phrase emphasizes that true leadership integrates justice 
• with compassion, which is central to dharma—the righteous order.

Summary

nṛpo dāsān kṣāmyati means:

“The king forgives/pardons his servants.”

It illustrates the ethical and moral virtue expected of a ruler in 

classical Sanskrit literature, embodying mercy, patience, and 

dharmic responsibility.

References for similar usages can be found in Sanskrit dictionaries and Dharmashastra literature, e.g., Wisdom Library Nṛpocita and Sanskrit 

narrative texts from the Rāmāyaṇa or Mahābhārata.