Shloka 8
Kṣātra-dharma in Campaign and Battle: Protection, Purification, and the Ideal Warrior’s End (क्षात्रधर्मः—अभियानयुद्धे रक्षणदानशुद्धिः)
यो भूतानि धनाक्रान्त्या वधात् क्लेशाच्च रक्षति । दस्युभ्य: प्राणदानात् स धनद: सुखदो विराट्
yo bhūtāni dhanākrāntyā vadhāt kleśāc ca rakṣati | dasyubhyaḥ prāṇadānāt sa dhanadaḥ sukhado virāṭ |
Bhishma said: The king who protects living beings from being overwhelmed by loss of wealth, from killing, and from suffering—who, by shielding them from bandits, effectively grants them life—such a ruler is regarded by the people as a mighty lord, a giver of wealth and a giver of happiness.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A king’s dharma is defined by protection: preventing economic ruin, violence, and suffering, and ensuring public security against banditry. By preserving life and stability, the ruler becomes a true source of prosperity and happiness for the people.
In Shanti Parva’s instruction on rajadharma, Bhishma continues advising on the duties of rulership, praising the ideal king who safeguards subjects from harm—especially from robbers and social disorder—thereby sustaining life and welfare.