Vidvattvam Cha Nripatvam Cha — Word-by-Word Meaning
विद्वत्त्वं च नृपत्वं च
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
विद्वत्त्वम्
vidvattvam
scholarship, the state of being learned
च
ca
and
नृपत्वम्
nṛpatvam
kingship, royal status
न एव तुल्यम्
naiva tulyam
are never equal, are not comparable
कदाचन
kadācana
ever, at any time
स्वदेशे
svadeśe
in his own country, in his own land
पूज्यते
pūjyate
is honoured, is revered
राजा
rājā
a king
विद्वान्
vidvān
a learned person, a scholar
सर्वत्र
sarvatra
everywhere, in all places
पूज्यते
pūjyate
is honoured, is revered
Complete Translation
Scholarship and kingship are never equal: a king is honoured only in his own country, but a learned person is honoured everywhere. The verse exalts knowledge above royal power, for the respect commanded by learning knows no borders.
Origin & History
Source: Subhashita (classical Sanskrit niti verse)
Author: Unknown (traditional subhashita; also cited in Chanakya-niti)
Period: Classical Sanskrit literature
This verse belongs to the rich Subhashita tradition of Sanskrit niti — concise, elegant teachings on wisdom and right living preserved in many anthologies and also cited among the maxims of the Chanakya-niti. With its crisp contrast between the local honour of a king and the universal honour of a scholar, it has become one of the most beloved verses exalting the boundless worth of knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Vidvattvam Cha Nripatvam Cha mean?▼
It means scholarship and kingship are never equal. A king is honoured only within his own country, whereas a learned person is honoured everywhere — making the respect commanded by knowledge far greater in reach than that of royal power.
What is the moral of this shloka?▼
That knowledge is greater than power and position, because the honour it brings is universal and unbounded. While authority is limited to one's domain, the dignity of learning travels with a person wherever they go.
Is this verse from the Subhashita tradition?▼
Yes. It is a well-loved subhashita of classical Sanskrit niti literature, widely quoted in anthologies and discourses praising the supremacy of knowledge over worldly power.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →