Shloka 56
Daṇḍanīti and the King as the Cause of Yuga-Order (दण्डनीतिः राजधर्मश्च युगकारणत्वम्)
अर्थसंनिचयं कुर्याद् राजा परबलार्दित: । तैलं वसा मधु घृतमौषधानि च सर्वश:
artha-sannicayaṁ kuryād rājā para-balārditaḥ | tailaṁ vasā madhu ghṛtam auṣadhāni ca sarvaśaḥ ||
Bhishma said: “When a king is hard-pressed by an enemy’s forces, he should build up reserves of wealth and stockpile essential supplies—oil, fat, honey, ghee, and medicines of every kind—so that the wounded may be treated and the kingdom’s defense sustained. The ethical thrust is preparedness: a ruler’s duty is not reckless valor but prudent provision that protects life and preserves order in crisis.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler facing military pressure must act with foresight: accumulate wealth and maintain reserves of essential supplies—especially medical provisions—so that the wounded can be treated and the realm can endure crisis. Prudence and protection of life are presented as key duties of kingship.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on kingship, Bhishma advises Yudhishthira on practical governance during wartime. Here he specifies what a king should stockpile when threatened by an enemy army, emphasizing resources and medical necessities.