Shloka 10
Daṇḍotpatti-kathana (Origin and Function of Daṇḍa) — वसुहोम–मान्धातृ संवाद
अपि चैतत् पुरा राजन् मनुना प्रोक्तमादित:
api caitat purā rājan manunā proktam āditaḥ
Bhishma said: “Moreover, O King, this very principle was taught long ago by Manu from the beginning: when a ruler, remaining even-minded toward what is pleasing and displeasing, shows no partiality, and applies punishment with exactness while protecting the people well, that act of governance is itself nothing but dharma.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A king’s true dharma is impartial governance: treating the pleasant and unpleasant alike, avoiding favoritism, applying punishment precisely and fairly, and thereby protecting the people.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on kingship, Bhishma addresses the king and supports his counsel by citing ancient authority—Manu—stating that just, unbiased rule and proper use of daṇḍa constitute dharma.