Shloka 28
Kośārtha-Rājadharma: Ethical Revenue Collection and Social Regulation (कोशार्थ-राजधर्मः)
नरश्नेत्कृषिगोरक्ष्यवाणिज्यं चाप्यनुछित: । संशयं लभते किंचित् तेन राजा विगहति
Bhīṣma uvāca: naraś cet kṛṣigorakṣyavāṇijyaṃ cāpy anucitaḥ | saṃśayaṃ labhate kiñcit tena rājā vigarhyate ||
Bhishma said: If a man, though it is not proper for him, takes up farming, cattle-protection, and trade, and thereby comes to even a slight state of peril and insecurity (as when exposed to raids and violence), then the king is censured for it. For it is the ruler’s duty to ensure protection and order, so that people may pursue their rightful livelihoods without fear.
भीष्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that public security is a primary duty of the king: if people fall into danger while pursuing livelihoods (farming, cattle-rearing, trade), the blame rests on the ruler for failing to provide protection and order.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on rājadharma, Bhishma explains standards of good governance, stating that when subjects are forced into insecure conditions and face peril, it reflects a failure of kingship and invites censure of the king.