Shloka 10
Treasury Security, Protection of Informants, and the Kalakavṛkṣīya Exemplum (Śānti Parva 83)
स बुद्ध्वा तस्य राष्ट्रस्य व्यवसायं हि सर्वश: । राजयुक्तापहारांश्व सर्वान् बुद्ध्वा ततस्ततः
sa buddhvā tasya rāṣṭrasya vyavasāyaṁ hi sarvaśaḥ | rājayuktāpahārāṁś ca sarvān buddhvā tataḥ tataḥ ||
Bhīṣma said: Having fully understood the entire functioning of that kingdom—its various occupations and administrative arrangements—and having also ascertained, from place to place, every instance of misappropriation of the king’s wealth by royal officials, the great sage, steadfast in an excellent vow, proclaimed himself to be all-knowing and came to meet the king, bringing that crow along with him.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A king’s dharma is not only personal virtue but also active supervision of the state: understanding the realm’s workings and detecting misappropriation by officials. Ethical governance requires accountability for those who wield delegated royal power.
A vow-observing sage investigates the kingdom’s activities and uncovers instances where royal officers have stolen or diverted the king’s property. Claiming comprehensive knowledge, he approaches the king—bringing a crow—setting up a confrontation or counsel about administrative wrongdoing.