Shloka 33
Daṇḍanīti and the King as the Cause of Yuga-Order (दण्डनीतिः राजधर्मश्च युगकारणत्वम्)
यदा तु पीडितो राजा भवेद्ू राज्ञा बलीयसा । तदाभिसंभ्रयेद् दुर्ग बुद्धिमान पृथिवीपति:,बुद्धिमान् पृथ्वीपालक नरेश जब किसी अत्यन्त बलवान राजासे पीड़ित होने लगे, तब उसे दुर्गका आश्रय लेना चाहिये
yadā tu pīḍito rājā bhaved rājñā balīyasā | tadābhisaṁśrayed durgaṁ buddhimān pṛthivīpatiḥ ||
ビーシュマは言った。「王が、より強大な他王によって圧迫されるとき、賢き地上の主は城塞に身を寄せるべきである。王道の規範において、勝ち目なき強勢に対しては、堅固な要害へ慎重に退くことが、国を保ち民を護るための正当な方策として説かれる。」
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A wise ruler, when pressured by a stronger enemy-king, may rightly seek safety in a fort; strategic retreat and defense are part of responsible kingship aimed at preserving the kingdom and safeguarding the people.
In Bhīṣma’s instruction on rājadharma in the Śānti Parva, he advises the king on practical responses to political-military danger, specifically recommending taking shelter in a fortified stronghold when overpowered.