Shloka 3
Vāmadeva’s Counsel on Rooted Kingship and Non-violent Victory (वामदेवोपदेशः—दृढमूलराजधर्मः)
यस्य स्फीतो जनपद: सम्पन्न: प्रिययाजक: । संतुष्टपुष्टसचिवो दृढमूल: स पार्थिव:
yasya sphīto janapadaḥ sampannaḥ priyayājakaḥ | santuṣṭa-puṣṭa-sacivo dṛḍha-mūlaḥ sa pārthivaḥ ||
Vāmadeva dit: On doit tenir pour solidement enraciné le roi dont le royaume est florissant, riche et bien pourvu, rempli d’hommes dévoués à sa personne et prompts à l’honorer, et embelli de ministres à la fois satisfaits et bien nourris. Une telle prospérité et une gouvernance qui apaise les cœurs attestent la stabilité des fondations du pouvoir.
वामदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
A king’s stability is measured by the welfare of his realm and the quality of his administration: a prosperous country, loyal and willing subjects, and satisfied, well-supported ministers together show that the ruler’s foundations are strong.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on royal duty (rājadharma), the sage Vāmadeva describes the marks of a well-established ruler, emphasizing public prosperity and contented ministers as indicators of sound governance.