Shloka 17
King Vena’s Tyranny, the Sages’ Counsel, and the Birth of Niṣāda
राजन्नसाध्वमात्येभ्यश्चोरादिभ्य: प्रजा नृप: । रक्षन्यथा बलिं गृह्णन्निह प्रेत्य च मोदते ॥ १७ ॥
rājann asādhv-amātyebhyaś corādibhyaḥ prajā nṛpaḥ rakṣan yathā baliṁ gṛhṇann iha pretya ca modate
O King, when a ruler protects the citizens from wicked ministers and from thieves and rogues, and then accepts taxes (bali) in a righteous way, he rejoices by such piety both in this world and in the next.
The duty of a pious king is described very nicely in this verse. His first and foremost duty is to give protection to the citizens from thieves and rogues as well as from ministers who are no better than thieves and rogues. Formerly, ministers were appointed by the king and were not elected. Consequently, if the king was not very pious or strict, the ministers would become thieves and rogues and exploit the innocent citizens. It is the king’s duty to see that there is no increase of thieves and rogues either in the government secretariat or in the departments of public affairs. If a king cannot give protection to citizens from thieves and rogues both in the government service and in public affairs, he has no right to exact taxes from them. In other words, the king or the government that taxes can levy taxes from the citizens only if the king or government is able to give protection to the citizens from thieves and rogues.
FAQs
This verse teaches that a true king must actively protect the people from corrupt officials and criminals; only then is collecting tax (bali) legitimate and spiritually beneficial.
They instructed Vena on righteous kingship (rāja-dharma), emphasizing that protection is the king’s first obligation; taxation without protection becomes irreligious and invites downfall.
Leaders and managers should ensure safety, fairness, and accountability before seeking profits or dues—ethical protection and responsible governance bring well-being now and good results later.