Shloka 26
Kośa, Bala, and Maryādā: Treasury, Capacity, and Enforceable Limits (कोश-बल-मर्यादा)
क्षत्रिये संशय: कस्मादित्येवं॑ निश्चितं सदा । आददीत विशिष्टेभ्यो नावसीदेत् कथंचन
bhīṣma uvāca | kṣatriye saṁśayaḥ kasmād ity evaṁ niścitaṁ sadā | ādadīta viśiṣṭebhyo nāvasīdet kathaṁcana ||
Bhīṣma dit : «Comment y aurait-il le moindre doute dans le cas d’un kshatriya ? Pour lui, ceci est toujours tranché : en temps de calamité, il doit prendre de force la richesse des “distingués”, c’est-à-dire des opulents, afin que, faute de ressources, il ne sombre en aucune manière dans la détresse».
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
In emergency conditions (āpaddharma), a Kshatriya-king must prioritize the stability of rule and protection of society; therefore he may take wealth from the affluent, even by force, to prevent collapse due to lack of resources.
Bhishma, instructing on dharma in the Shanti Parva, addresses the Kshatriya’s proper conduct and removes doubt by stating a firm rule for times of crisis: secure necessary wealth from rich subjects so governance does not fail.