Shloka 29
Kṣātra-Dharma, Daṇḍanīti, and Social Order
Indra–Māndhātṛ Dialogue
पुत्रवत् पाल्यमानानि राजधर्मेण पार्थिवै: । लोके भूतानि सर्वाणि चरन्ते नात्र संशय:,राजाओंसे राजधर्मके द्वारा पुत्रकी भाँति पालित होनेवाले जगतके सम्पूर्ण प्राणी निर्भय विचरते हैं, इसमें संशय नहीं है
putravat pālyamānāni rājadharmeṇa pārthivaiḥ | loke bhūtāni sarvāṇi carante nātra saṃśayaḥ ||
Indra declares that when kings uphold rājadharma, they protect all beings in the world as a father protects his own child. Under such righteous guardianship, creatures move about without fear—of this there is no doubt.
इन्द्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
Rājadharma is fundamentally protective: a king must care for all beings as a father cares for his child, creating a condition of public fearlessness and stability.
Indra is speaking within the Shanti Parva’s instruction on governance, emphasizing that when rulers follow the duties of kingship, society becomes secure and beings can live and move about without fear.