Shloka 56
Daṇḍanīti and the King as the Cause of Yuga-Order (दण्डनीतिः राजधर्मश्च युगकारणत्वम्)
अर्थसंनिचयं कुर्याद् राजा परबलार्दित: । तैलं वसा मधु घृतमौषधानि च सर्वश:
artha-sannicayaṁ kuryād rājā para-balārditaḥ | tailaṁ vasā madhu ghṛtam auṣadhāni ca sarvaśaḥ ||
Bhishma dit : «Lorsqu’un roi est durement pressé par les forces ennemies, il doit accroître ses réserves de richesses et constituer des stocks de biens essentiels—huile, graisse, miel, ghee et remèdes de toute sorte—afin que les blessés soient soignés et que la défense du royaume se maintienne. L’élan moral est celui de la préparation : le devoir du souverain n’est pas une vaillance téméraire, mais une prévoyance prudente qui protège la vie et sauvegarde l’ordre dans l’épreuve.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler facing military pressure must act with foresight: accumulate wealth and maintain reserves of essential supplies—especially medical provisions—so that the wounded can be treated and the realm can endure crisis. Prudence and protection of life are presented as key duties of kingship.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on kingship, Bhishma advises Yudhishthira on practical governance during wartime. Here he specifies what a king should stockpile when threatened by an enemy army, emphasizing resources and medical necessities.