Shloka 33
Kośārtha-Rājadharma: Ethical Revenue Collection and Social Regulation (कोशार्थ-राजधर्मः)
एवं दण्डं च कोशं च मित्र भूमिं च लप्स्यसि । सत्यार्जवपरो राजन् मित्रकोशबलान्वित:
evaṁ daṇḍaṁ ca kośaṁ ca mitra-bhūmiṁ ca lapsyasi | satyārjava-paro rājan mitra-kośa-balānvitaḥ ||
Bhīṣma said: “Thus you will obtain the capacity to wield punishment and governance, along with a well-filled treasury, loyal allies, and secure territory. O king, by being devoted to truthfulness and straightforward conduct, you will become endowed with friends, resources, and strength.”
भीष्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma teaches that a ruler’s tangible powers—authority to punish (daṇḍa), wealth (kośa), alliances (mitra), and stable territory (bhūmi)—are secured and sustained by moral qualities, especially truthfulness (satya) and integrity/straightforwardness (ārjava). Ethical conduct is presented as the foundation of effective governance.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on rājadharma, Bhīṣma addresses the king (Yudhiṣṭhira in context) and explains the practical outcomes of following the advised conduct: the king will gain the instruments and supports of rule—punitive authority, treasury, allies, and strength—by remaining committed to truth and sincerity.