Agni Purana — Dharma-shastra, Shloka 8
Duties outside the Varṇa Order (वर्णेतरधर्माः) — Agni Purana, Chapter 151
क्षत्रियस्य सवैश्यस्य कर्मेदं परिकीर्तितं क्षत्रियस्य विशेषेण पालनं दुष्टनिग्रहः
kṣatriyasya savaiśyasya karmedaṃ parikīrtitaṃ kṣatriyasya viśeṣeṇa pālanaṃ duṣṭanigrahaḥ
This duty has been declared for the kṣatriya, together with the vaiśya; but for the kṣatriya in particular, it is the protection (of the people) and the restraint and punishment of the wicked.
Lord Agni (narrating to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Guides governance: the ruler/warrior class must protect subjects and suppress अपराध (wrongdoers) through policing, adjudication, and proportionate punishment.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Kṣatriya-viśeṣa-dharma: pālana and duṣṭa-nigraha","lookup_keywords":["kshatriya dharma","palana","dusta nigraha","rajadharma","punishment"],"quick_summary":"Defines the kṣatriya’s distinctive duty: protection of the people and restraint/punishment of the wicked. Practical basis for law-and-order and defense functions of the state."}
Weapon Type: Bow (as emblematic of kṣatriya), Sword
Concept: Coercive power is legitimate when used for protection (pālana) and curbing adharma (duṣṭa-nigraha).
Application: Policy principle: prioritize citizen safety, fair enforcement, and measured punishment to prevent social breakdown.
Khanda Section: Rājadharma (Governance and Social Duties)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A king/warrior stands guard over a town; he hears petitions, protects merchants and farmers, and orders the arrest of a bandit—symbolizing pālana and duṣṭa-nigraha.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: kṣatriya king with bow and sword, protective stance before city gate; न्याय-सभा scene with petitioners; subdued depiction of restraining a wrongdoer, bold outlines and traditional ornaments.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: regal king with gold-embossed crown and weapons, seated in court dispensing justice; background shows guarded city and peaceful subjects; rich gold detailing and symmetrical composition.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: narrative panels—(1) protection patrol, (2) court judgment, (3) apprehension of criminal—fine linework, clear instructional emphasis on governance.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: durbar scene with the ruler adjudicating; guards escort a culprit; bustling city life protected under rule; intricate textiles, architecture, and realistic faces."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कर्मेदम् → कर्म इदम्; सवैश्यस्य interpreted as स-वैश्यस्य (‘with/and the vaiśya’s’).
Related Themes: Agni Purana rājadharma/nīti chapters (king’s duties, daṇḍa, administration); Agni Purana dhanurveda passages (weapons/training)
FAQs
It imparts rājadharma: the statecraft duty of pālana (public protection) and duṣṭa-nigraha (restraining/punishing wrongdoers), defining the Kṣatriya’s core administrative function.
By codifying governance and social duty alongside other disciplines, it shows the Agni Purana’s wide scope—treating political ethics and law-and-order as part of its multi-subject compendium.
Fulfilling protection and just restraint is presented as the Kṣatriya’s svadharma; performing it upholds dharma and yields merit, while neglecting it leads to social disorder and negative karmic consequences.