Shloka 23
Daṇḍa-svarūpa-nirūpaṇa
The Nature, Forms, and Function of Daṇḍa
मृदुशीलं तथा प्राज्ञं शूरं चार्थविधानवित् । स्वकर्मणि नियुञ्जीत ये चान्ये च बलाधिका:,कार्यसाधनके उपायको जाननेवाला राजा अपने कार्योमें कोमल-स्वभाव, विद्वान् तथा शूरवीर मनुष्यको तथा अन्य जो अधिक बलशाली व्यक्ति हों, उनको नियुक्त करे
mṛduśīlaṃ tathā prājñaṃ śūraṃ cārthavidhānavit | svakarmaṇi niyuñjīta ye cānye ca balādhikāḥ ||
Bhīṣma said: A king who knows the proper means of accomplishing his aims should appoint to their respective duties a man of gentle disposition, a wise man, and a heroic man; and likewise employ others who are superior in strength. Governance succeeds when responsibilities are assigned by character, competence, courage, and capacity—not by favoritism.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler should assign duties based on suitability—gentleness for humane dealings, wisdom for counsel and judgment, heroism for protection and enforcement, and superior strength where force is required—so that the state’s aims are achieved through appropriate means.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on kingship, Bhīṣma advises Yudhiṣṭhira on practical governance: selecting and appointing capable individuals to specific tasks, emphasizing competence and fitness for role as a principle of righteous rule.