Shloka 7
Gaṇānāṃ Vṛttiḥ — On the Sustenance and Cohesion of Assemblies
Gaṇa-nīti
यथा गणाः: प्रवर्धन्ते न भिद्यन्ते च भारत । अरींश्व विजिगीषन्ते सुहृदः प्राप्तुवन्ति च,भारत! गणतलन््त्र-राज्योंकी जनता जिस प्रकार अपनी उन्नति करती है, जिस प्रकार आपसमें मतभेद या फूट नहीं होने देती, जिस तरह शत्रुओंपर विजय पाना चाहती है और जिस उपायसे उसे सुहृदोंकी प्राप्ति होती है--ये सारी बातें सुननेके लिये मेरी बड़ी इच्छा है
yathā gaṇāḥ pravardhante na bhidyante ca bhārata | arīn svaṃ vijigīṣante suhṛdaḥ prāpnuvanti ca ||
Yudhiṣṭhira said: “O Bhārata, I wish to hear in full how the peoples of a gaṇa-ruled state prosper; how they avoid dissension and schism among themselves; by what resolve and method they seek victory over enemies; and by what means they secure the friendship and support of well-wishers.”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames the ethical-political inquiry central to rājadharma: collective polities thrive through internal cohesion, disciplined pursuit of security against enemies, and the cultivation of trustworthy allies—prosperity is treated as inseparable from unity and prudent relationships.
In Śānti Parva’s instruction on governance, Yudhiṣṭhira asks to be taught the practical principles by which gaṇa-based states (assembly/clan polities) grow strong—how they prevent internal splits, aim at victory over adversaries, and win the support of friends.