Shloka 2.1.26
गुणप्रशंसा–युवराजनिर्णयः (Praise of Rama’s Virtues and the Decision on the Heir-Apparent)
सत्सङ्ग्रहप्रग्रहणे स्थानविन्निग्रहस्य च।आयकर्मण्युपायज्ञ स्सन्दृष्टव्ययकर्मवित्।।।।
sat-saṅgraha-pragrahaṇe sthāna-vin nigrahasya ca | āya-karmāṇy upāya-jñaḥ sandṛṣṭa-vyaya-karma-vit ||
He was skilled at gathering and encouraging the righteous, and also at restraining offenders, knowing the proper place and measure for such control. In matters of revenue he understood the means, and he knew how expenditure should be carried out in a proper and accountable way.
He was skilled in receiving and encouraging the righteous and in punishing (the wicked). He knew whom to punish. He knew the right means of raising revenue and also expending money in the prescribed manner.
Dharma in rulership includes ethical administration: protect and promote the good, restrain harm with proper measure, and handle public wealth through rightful revenue methods and responsible expenditure.
The narration frames Rāma not only as personally virtuous but as practically competent in governance, including discipline and fiscal management.
Responsible statecraft—measured punishment, support of the virtuous, and financial prudence aligned with justice.