Shloka 28
राष्ट्रगुप्ति-संग्रहः
Protection of the Realm and Principles of Revenue & Local Administration
अरयो मे समुत्थाय बहुभिर्दस्युभि: सह । इदमात्मवधायैव राष्ट्रमिच्छन्ति बाधितुम्
arayo me samutthāya bahubhir dasyubhiḥ saha | idam ātmavadhāyaiva rāṣṭram icchanti bādhitum ||
Bhīṣma said: “My enemies have risen up, accompanied by many bandit-like men. They seek to harass and oppress this kingdom—indeed, as though intent on my very destruction.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Lawless aggression against the realm is portrayed as adharma: when enemies ally with predatory elements (dasyus), their aim is not just political pressure but destructive harm. The verse frames the protection of the rāṣṭra and resistance to such oppression as an ethical necessity of governance.
Bhīṣma describes a situation where hostile forces have mobilized, joined by many marauders, and are attempting to trouble the kingdom. He interprets their campaign as effectively aimed at his own ruin, highlighting the severity and unrighteous character of the threat.