Shloka 1.7.23
अमात्य-गुणवर्णनम् (The Virtues of Daśaratha’s Ministers and the Order of Governance)
नाध्यगच्छद्विशिष्टं वा तुल्यं वा शत्रुमात्मनः ।
मित्रवान्नतसामन्तः प्रतापहतकण्टकः ॥
स शशास जगद्राजा दिवं देवपतिर्यथा ॥
nādhyagacchad viśiṣṭaṃ vā tulyaṃ vā śatrum ātmanaḥ |
mitravān natasāmantaḥ pratāpahatakaṇṭakaḥ ||
sa śaśāsa jagadrājā divaṃ devapatir yathā ||
He found no foe superior to him, nor even equal. Abounding in allies, with neighboring kings humbled and thorn-like enemies struck down by his valor, that ruler of the world governed as the Lord of the gods rules heaven.
Kṣatriya-dharma includes protecting order by subduing harmful forces; strength is framed as legitimate when used to remove “thorns” (oppressive enemies) and stabilize the realm.
The narration continues the eulogy of Daśaratha, emphasizing his political dominance, alliances, and secure rule.
Pratāpa (royal might) disciplined toward protection and stability, not mere conquest.