Shloka 1.7.2
अमात्य-गुणवर्णनम् (The Virtues of Daśaratha’s Ministers and the Order of Governance)
अष्टौ बभूवुर्वीरस्य तस्यामात्या यशस्विन: ।शुचयश्चानुरक्ताश्च राजकृत्येषु नित्यश: ।।।।
dhṛṣṭir jayanto vijayaḥ siddhārtho hy arthasādhakaḥ |
aśoko mantrapālaś ca sumantraś cāṣṭamo 'bhavat ||
They were Dhṛṣṭi, Jayanta, Vijaya, Siddhārtha, Arthasādhaka, Aśoka, Mantrapāla—and as the eighth, Sumantra.
The mighty and glorious (king Dasaratha) had eight ministers who were free from blemish in their dealings and ever devoted to royal duties.
Dharma in governance is institutional as well as personal: righteous rule is supported by a structured council of responsible ministers.
The text enumerates the eight key ministers serving Daśaratha, continuing the description of his orderly administration.
Competent statecraft through counsel—highlighting the importance of qualified advisers in sustaining dharmic kingship.