Shloka 14

Kośārtha-Rājadharma: Ethical Revenue Collection and Social Regulation (कोशार्थ-राजधर्मः)

Devanagari script

पानागारनिवेशाश्ष वेश्या: प्रापणिकास्तथा । कुशीलवा: सकितवा ये चान्ये केचिदीदृशा:

Translation

Bhīṣma said: Those who set up drinking-houses and taverns, prostitutes, bawds and procurers, gamblers, and performers who corrupt public morals—and any others of such base callings—bring harm upon the whole realm. Therefore, they should be restrained and kept in check by punishment; for if they are allowed to take root within the kingdom, they become great obstacles to subjects who would walk the path of virtue.

Speaker

भीष्य उवाच