Shloka 21
Gaṇānāṃ Vṛttiḥ — On the Sustenance and Cohesion of Assemblies
Gaṇa-nīti
द्रव्यवन्तश्न शूराश्व शस्त्रज्ञा: शास्त्रपारगा: । कृच्छास्वापत्सु सम्मूढान् गणा: संतारयन्ति ते,गणराज्यके सभी नागरिक धनवान, शूरवीर, अस्त्र-शस्त्रोंके ज्ञाता तथा शास्त्रोंके पारंगत विद्वान होते हैं। वे कठिन विपत्तिमें पड़कर मोहित हुए लोगोंका उद्धार करते रहते हैं
dravyavantaś ca śūrāś ca śastrajñāḥ śāstrapāragāḥ | kṛcchrāsv āpatsu sammūḍhān gaṇāḥ santārayanti te ||
Bhishma said: In a gaṇa-ruled polity, the citizens are prosperous, courageous, skilled in weapons, and well-versed in the authoritative treatises. Such communities continually rescue those who, when hard calamities strike, become bewildered—guiding them back to safety and right conduct.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma highlights an ethical ideal of collective governance: a well-formed community—prosperous, brave, trained in practical skills, and grounded in śāstra—does not abandon the vulnerable. In crises, it actively ‘ferries across’ the confused and afflicted, making public welfare and moral guidance a shared civic duty.
Within Bhishma’s instruction in the Śānti Parva on polity and dharma, he describes the qualities and benefits of a gaṇa-based state/community. He notes that such citizens, being capable and learned, repeatedly help those who become overwhelmed during severe hardships, ensuring social stability and protection.