Shloka 60
Daṇḍanīti and the King as the Cause of Yuga-Order (दण्डनीतिः राजधर्मश्च युगकारणत्वम्)
नटांश्व नर्तकांश्वैव मल्लान् मायाविनस्तथा । शोभयेयु: पुरवरं मोदयेयुश्व॒ सर्वश:,साधारण स्थितिमें राजाको नटों, नर्तकों, पहलवानों तथा इन्द्रजाल दिखानेवालोंको भी अपने यहाँ आश्रय देना चाहिये; क्योंकि ये राजधानीकी शोभा बढ़ाते हैं और सबको अपने खेलोंसे आनन्द प्रदान करते हैं
naṭāṁś ca nartakāṁś caiva mallān māyāvinas tathā | śobhayeyuḥ puravaraṁ modayeyuś ca sarvaśaḥ ||
Dijo Bhīṣma: Aun en tiempos ordinarios, el rey debe otorgar amparo y sustento a actores, danzantes, luchadores y hábiles ilusionistas. Ellos acrecientan el esplendor de la capital y, con sus representaciones, brindan deleite a todos.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler’s dharma includes sustaining cultural and recreational life: by supporting performers and athletes, the king promotes public happiness and the dignity of the capital, which strengthens social harmony.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on kingship, Bhishma advises the king on practical duties in peacetime—here, recommending patronage to entertainers and performers who beautify the city and delight the populace.