When Bharata goes to the forest to meet Rama, the latter asks Bharata many questions. Rama’s questions are full of advice that would be of use even to rulers of modern times, said Kidambi Narayanan in a discourse. Rama asks if Bharata is surrounded by able ministers with political skills. He says Bharata must not take decisions without consulting his ministers. Yet, he must not consult too many people. The decisions he makes should not leak out before they are ready for implementation. Every undertaking of his must bring the maximum benefit to the people at the minimum cost. None should know of his discussions with his ministers. Other kings should especially not know of his plans beforehand. He says that Bharata should assign work to competent people and not appoint ignorant people in important posts. His ministers must be incorruptible.
Rama hopes that Bharata is treating Sudhanva with due respect. Sudhanva is the one who taught Bharata archery, and he is also well versed in political matters. He asks if Bharata sleeps too much. He says Bharata should spend time to ponder over the correctness of his actions. He hopes that Bharata has appointed as his army chief a man who will be liked by his subordinates. Only those men who have proved themselves valiant in war are to be selected to serve in the military. Rama lays stress on the importance of providing pay and provisions to the army without delay. Delay in disbursement of wages makes men angry and this leads to corruption. A defeated enemy should not be underestimated, for he could hit back. Bharata must have efficient spies, who will report to him on the activities of his enemies and his own officials. Thus, through Rama’s advice to Bharata, Valmiki shows us how any land should be administered.