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 ||
Raja yang dianggap berakar kuat ialah dia yang negerinya makmur, kaya harta dan persediaan, dipenuhi rakyat yang mencintainya dan bersemangat memuliakannya dengan yajña, serta dihiasi para menteri yang puas dan berkecukupan.
वामदेव उवाच
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.