Shloka 7
Book 12, Chapter 93 — Vāmadeva’s Counsel to King Vasumanā on Dharmic Kingship (धर्मप्रधान-राजधर्मोपदेशः)
अर्थसिद्धि: पर धर्म मन््यते यो महीपति: । वृद्धयां च कुरुते बुद्धिं स धर्मेण विराजते,जो भूपाल धर्मको अर्थ-सिद्धिकी अपेक्षा भी बड़ा मानता है और उसीको बढ़ानेमें अपने मन और बुद्धिका उपयोग करता है, वह धर्मके कारण बड़ी शोभा पाता है
arthasiddhiḥ paraṃ dharmaṃ manyate yo mahīpatiḥ | vṛddhyāṃ ca kurute buddhiṃ sa dharmeṇa virājate ||
Vāmadeva said: That king who regards the accomplishment of prosperity as secondary to dharma, and who directs his mind and discernment toward the increase of dharma, shines with true splendor because of righteousness itself.
वामदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler should treat material success (artha-siddhi) as subordinate to dharma and actively use judgment to expand righteousness; such a ruler gains genuine glory through dharma, not merely through wealth or power.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on righteous rule and conduct, Vāmadeva articulates a standard for kingship: the ideal king prioritizes dharma and cultivates policies and decisions that increase it, thereby becoming truly illustrious.