Shloka 33
Daṇḍanīti and the King as the Cause of Yuga-Order (दण्डनीतिः राजधर्मश्च युगकारणत्वम्)
यदा तु पीडितो राजा भवेद्ू राज्ञा बलीयसा । तदाभिसंभ्रयेद् दुर्ग बुद्धिमान पृथिवीपति:,बुद्धिमान् पृथ्वीपालक नरेश जब किसी अत्यन्त बलवान राजासे पीड़ित होने लगे, तब उसे दुर्गका आश्रय लेना चाहिये
yadā tu pīḍito rājā bhaved rājñā balīyasā | tadābhisaṁśrayed durgaṁ buddhimān pṛthivīpatiḥ ||
Bhīṣma said: “When a king finds himself oppressed by another, more powerful king, then the wise lord of the earth should take refuge in a fort. In the ethics of kingship, prudent withdrawal into a stronghold is a legitimate means of preserving the realm and protecting subjects when overmatched by superior force.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A wise ruler, when pressured by a stronger enemy-king, may rightly seek safety in a fort; strategic retreat and defense are part of responsible kingship aimed at preserving the kingdom and safeguarding the people.
In Bhīṣma’s instruction on rājadharma in the Śānti Parva, he advises the king on practical responses to political-military danger, specifically recommending taking shelter in a fortified stronghold when overpowered.