రామరాజ్యంలో బంగారం కరువు, భరత రాజ్యంలో భోజనం కరువు

ramarajyamlo bangaram karuvu, bharata rajyamlo bhojanam karuvu

Translation

In Rama's kingdom there is a scarcity of gold, in Bharata's kingdom there is a scarcity of food.

Meaning

This expression is used to highlight the irony of scarcity in places of abundance or to describe situations where basic needs or expected luxuries are surprisingly unavailable. It often points to poor distribution or specific hardships despite a generally good reputation.

Related Phrases

Like a kingdom without Rama.

This expression describes a place or situation that lacks its true leader, soul, or essential guiding force. Just as the kingdom of Ayodhya felt desolate and directionless when Lord Rama was in exile, this phrase is used to describe a scene of emptiness, chaos, or lack of joy despite having all other material resources.

Is there a food shortage in the kingdom of Rama?

This expression is used rhetorically to imply that in a place of great prosperity, abundance, or good governance, basic necessities like food should never be scarce. It is often used when someone expresses a minor need or grievance in a situation where they are otherwise very well-provided for.

As long as you have saplings, water, and speech, it is the same no matter which kingdom you are in.

This proverb emphasizes self-sufficiency and communication skills. It suggests that if a person has the means to farm (saplings and water) and the ability to speak effectively (to negotiate or stand up for themselves), they can survive and thrive anywhere in the world regardless of the political environment or location.

Personal kingdom, Bharata's kingdom

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone acts according to their own whims and fancies without any restraint or regard for rules. It refers to someone behaving as if they are the sole authority or owner of a place, doing whatever they please.

So what if one is an animal in King Ashoka's kingdom?

This expression is used to signify that even the most vulnerable or insignificant beings are treated with dignity, care, and justice under a truly great and benevolent leadership. It refers to Emperor Ashoka's historical reputation for establishing hospitals and welfare for animals, implying that living in a well-governed society is a blessing for everyone regardless of their status.

Like Râma's kingdom.

This expression is used to describe a place or a period of time characterized by perfect peace, prosperity, justice, and ideal governance. It implies that people are living happily without any troubles, much like the legendary utopian rule of Lord Rama in the epic Ramayana.

Neglected.

Kingdom is to be enjoyed by the brave

This proverb signifies that power, success, and territory belong only to those who are courageous and strong. It is used to encourage boldness and assertiveness, implying that fortune favors the brave and that one must fight for or earn their position through valor.

Borrowing during a famine

This expression describes a situation where one is forced to seek a loan or credit during a time of extreme scarcity or crisis. It signifies an act of desperation or a burden upon an already struggling person, as borrowing during a famine is difficult to repay and even harder to obtain.

In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person with limited or mediocre abilities is considered superior or exceptional because everyone else in that environment is completely unskilled or lacks knowledge. It highlights how competence is relative to the group one is in.

The kingdom is meant to be enjoyed by the brave.

This expression is used to signify that power, success, or the fruits of a kingdom belong to those who are courageous and bold enough to win or defend them. It emphasizes that fortune favors the brave and that one must possess strength and valor to attain high positions.