Shloka 26
राजवृत्त-रक्षा-प्रणिधि-षाड्गुण्योपदेशः
Royal Conduct, Protection, Intelligence, and Policy Measures
ब्राह्मणाश्षतुरो वेदान् नाधीयीरंस्तपस्विन: । विद्यास्नाता व्रतस्नाता यदि राजा न पालयेत्,यदि राजा पालन न करे तो विद्या पढ़कर स्नातक हुए ब्रह्मचर्य-व्रतका पालन करनेवाले और तपस्वी तथा ब्राह्मण लोग चारों वेदोंका अध्ययन छोड़ दें
brāhmaṇāś caturō vedān nādhīyīraṁs tapasvinaḥ | vidyā-snāta vratā-snāta yadi rājā na pālayet ||
Vasumanā said: If the king does not protect (his subjects and uphold order), then even ascetic Brahmins—those who have completed their studies and their vows—would cease studying the four Vedas. The verse underscores that royal protection is a necessary condition for the preservation of sacred learning and disciplined religious life.
वसुमना उवाच
Educational Q&A
Vedic learning and disciplined religious life flourish only when the king upholds rajadharma—protecting society and maintaining order. Without protection, even the most qualified and austere Brahmins would abandon Vedic study.
In a discussion on governance and dharma in the Śānti Parva, Vasumanā argues for the necessity of royal protection by stating that the failure of a king to protect would undermine the very foundations of sacred education and ascetic practice.