In the illustrious city of Ayodhyā, prosperity and refinement were evident everywhere. No one was seen without earrings, a crown, or a garland; all enjoyed ample pleasures, were well-washed, adorned, and carried a pleasant fragrance. The people never consumed unclean food, nor was there anyone who withheld gifts. All wore armlets, necklaces, and hand ornaments, and everyone practiced self-control. Within Ayodhyā, sacred fires were tended by all, and sacrifices were regularly performed. There was no miser, thief, person of bad conduct, or anyone of mixed caste. The Brāhmaṇas devoted themselves to their duties, mastered their senses, practiced charity and study, and accepted gifts only with restraint. Atheism, falsehood, ignorance, envy, incapacity, and lack of wisdom found no place in Ayodhyā. Everyone was well-versed in the six branches of learning, upheld vows, gave generously, and lived free from poverty, disturbance, or affliction. Men and women alike possessed fortune and beauty, and all were devoted to the king. Among the three higher castes, people worshipped the gods and honored guests, expressing gratitude, generosity, heroism, and valor. The citizens lived long lives, devoted to righteousness and truth, enjoying their days with sons, grandsons, and wives in that foremost city. Social harmony prevailed: the kṣatriyas supported the brāhmaṇas, the vaiśyas were devoted to the kṣatriyas, and the śūdras diligently performed their own duties, serving the three higher castes. Ayodhyā was well protected by the lord of the Ikṣvāku line, just as it had been in ancient times by Manu, the wise king of men. The city was filled with warriors, fierce as fire, skilled, gracious, and steadfast—accomplished in their arts, like a cave full of lions. Horses of the finest breeds from the lands of the Kāmbojas and Bāhlīkas, as well as excellent forest and river horses, filled Ayodhyā. Mighty elephants, intoxicated and powerful, from the Vindhya mountains and the Himalayas, roamed the city, resembling mountains themselves. There were elephants of the Airāvata and Mahāpadma lineages, and those from Añjana and Vāmana mountains, as well as bhadra, mandra, mṛga, bhadramandra, bhadramṛga, and mṛgamandra types. Ayodhyā, always filled with these mighty elephants, extended for more than two yojanas. It was known as Satyanāmā, where King Daśaratha dwelled and protected the world. The great and radiant Daśaratha ruled this city, subduing his enemies, like the moon among the stars. Ayodhyā, named Satyanāmā, boasted strong gates and bars, splendid houses, auspicious surroundings, and was crowded with thousands of men, all under the rule of a king equal to Indra. Thus ends the seventh sarga in the Bālakāṇḍa of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa. King Daśaratha, the noble Ikṣvāku, was served by ministers endowed with virtues. They were skilled in counsel, perceptive of gestures, and always devoted to what was pleasing and beneficial. Eight ministers, illustrious and valiant, pure in conduct and loyal, constantly attended to royal duties: Dhṛṣṭi, Jayanta, Vijaya, Surāṣṭra, Rāṣṭravardhana, Akopa, Dharmapāla, and Sumantra, the wise eighth. He had two chief priests, eminent among seers: Vasiṣṭha and Vāmadeva; and other counselors—Suyajña, Jābāli, Kāśyapa, Gautama, the long-lived Mārkaṇḍeya, and the sage Kātyāyana. These brahmarṣis, always his former priests, were learned, disciplined, modest, skilled, and self-controlled. They possessed energy, patience, and fame, spoke with gentle smiles, and never uttered a false word, whether out of anger, desire, or self-interest. Nothing, whether among their own or others, done, being done, or intended—even in secret—escaped their knowledge. They were skilled in conduct, proven in friendship, and imposed timely punishment even on their own sons. Adept in collecting revenue and managing the army, they never harmed an innocent person, even if he were an enemy. Brave and ever-energetic, they upheld royal law and always protected the pure citizens of the realm. By not harming Brāhmaṇas or Kṣatriyas, they filled the treasury, and imposed strict punishments after considering a person's strength and weakness. Among them, all were discerning; nowhere in the city or kingdom was there anyone who spoke falsely. There was no wicked man or one who coveted another's wife; the entire kingdom and its chief city were peaceful. All wore clean garments, were well-dressed, observed pure vows, and, with wakeful discernment, sought the king's welfare. They had acquired their teacher's virtues, were renowned for their valor, known even in foreign lands, and everywhere firm in their understanding. Endowed with virtues, none lacked merit; they were experts in the principles of alliance and conflict, and by nature possessed prosperity. They were able to keep counsel, skilled in subtle reasoning, always speaking pleasantly, and well-versed in the science of polity. King Daśaratha, faultless and endowed with ministers of such qualities and virtues, ruled over the earth. Observing his people through spies, protecting them with righteousness, he governed his subjects, always avoiding unrighteousness.