Shloka 14
Draupadī’s Exhortation on Rājadharma and Daṇḍa (द्रौपद्याः राजधर्मोपदेशः)
नादण्ड: क्षत्रियो भाति नादण्डो भूमिमश्चुते । नादण्डस्य प्रजा राज्ञ: सुखं विन्दन्ति भारत
vaiśampāyana uvāca |
nādaṇḍaḥ kṣatriyo bhāti nādaṇḍo bhūmim aśnute |
nādaṇḍasya prajā rājñaḥ sukhaṁ vindanti bhārata ||
Vaiśampāyana said: A kṣatriya who lacks the power to punish does not shine in his rightful role; a king who does not wield punishment cannot truly govern and enjoy the earth. O Bhārata, the subjects of a ruler without punishment never attain lasting welfare and peace.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that legitimate rulership requires the capacity and willingness to enforce justice through daṇḍa (punishment/discipline). Without corrective authority, a kṣatriya’s role loses its luster, the king cannot truly sustain sovereignty, and the people cannot enjoy stable welfare.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on royal duty (rājadharma), Vaiśampāyana reports a maxim emphasizing governance: a ruler who fails to punish wrongdoing undermines order, weakening both kingship and public well-being.