Shloka 36
Vāmadeva’s Rājadharma: Norm-Setting, Counsel, and the Prevention of Rāṣṭra-Vināśa (वामदेव-प्रोक्तं राजधर्मम्)
के वानुरक्ता: राजान: के भयात् समुपाश्रिता: । मध्यस्थदोषा: के चैषामिति नित्यं विचिन्तयेत्
ke vānuraktā rājānaḥ ke bhayāt samupāśritāḥ | madhyastha-doṣāḥ ke caiṣām iti nityaṃ vicintayet ||
Vāmadeva said: “A king should constantly reflect: Which rulers are truly devoted to me? Which have taken refuge with me out of fear? Among them, who are neutral or wavering, and who, by their stance, are effectively at fault—indeed, who among these kings have become my enemies?”
वामदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler must continually evaluate the true motives and positions of other kings—distinguishing genuine loyalty from fear-based dependence, identifying neutrals, and recognizing emerging enemies—so that governance remains prudent and ethically responsible.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on rajadharma, Vāmadeva advises the king on practical vigilance in diplomacy: regularly scrutinizing surrounding rulers’ attitudes—friends, fear-driven dependents, neutrals, and foes.