Shloka 13
Rājasūya-sambhāra: Prosperity under Rājadharma and the Initiation of Yudhiṣṭhira’s Sacrifice
शर्मकान् वर्मकांश्वैव व्यजयत् सान्त्वपूर्वकम् । वैदेहक॑ च राजानं जनक॑ जगतीपतिम्
vaiśampāyana uvāca |
śarmakān varmakāṃś caiva vyajayat sāntvapūrvakam |
vaidehakaṃ ca rājānaṃ janakaṃ jagatīpatim |
ヴァイシャンパーヤナは語った。彼はシャルマカ族とヴァルマカ族を、まず懐柔によって征した。さらに、地を治める主たるヴィデーハ国王ジャナカをも、過度に苛烈な手段に頼らずして屈服させた。この段は、政道の段階的な倫理を示す——可能なかぎり説得と自制によって勝ち、柔らかな手段で従わぬ者にのみ、武力や策謀を用いるのである。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights an ethical hierarchy in political action: victory should be sought first through sāntva (conciliation/persuasion), minimizing violence and coercion; force is not the default but a last resort when peaceful submission is possible.
In the account of subjugations during the Sabha Parva, the hero’s campaign includes defeating the Śarmakas and Varmakas through conciliation and also bringing Janaka of Videha under control, emphasizing controlled, non-excessive means of conquest.