Shloka 50
Daṇḍa-svarūpa-nirūpaṇa
The Nature, Forms, and Function of Daṇḍa
धर्मान्वितेषु विज्ञाता मन्त्री गुप्तश्न॒ पाण्डव । आप्तो राजा कुलीनश्व पर्याप्तो राजसंग्रहे
dharmānvitēṣu vijñātā mantrī guptaśnaḥ pāṇḍava | āpto rājā kulīnaś ca paryāpto rājasaṅgrahe ||
Bhīṣma dit : « Ô Pāṇḍava, un ministre doit être clairvoyant dans les affaires fondées sur le dharma, habile dans le renseignement secret et digne de confiance. Le roi, lui aussi, doit être sûr, de noble lignée, et pleinement capable dans la gestion et la consolidation du royaume. »
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Effective and ethical governance requires (1) a minister who is dharma-informed, discreet, and skilled in confidential intelligence, and (2) a king who is trustworthy, well-bred in conduct, and competent in administering and consolidating the realm.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on rājadharma, Bhīṣma continues advising Yudhiṣṭhira about the qualifications needed for stable rule—highlighting the character and capabilities required of both the king and his minister.