Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 2
Rāja-dharma (राजधर्माः) — Protection of the Heir, Discipline, Counsel, and the Seven Limbs of the State
शिल्पानि शिक्षयेच्चैवमाप्तैर् मिथ्याप्रियंवदैः शरीररक्षाव्याजेन रक्षिणो ऽस्य नियोजयेत्
śilpāni śikṣayeccaivamāptair mithyāpriyaṃvadaiḥ śarīrarakṣāvyājena rakṣiṇo 'sya niyojayet
ഇങ്ങനെ അവനെ ശില്പാദി പ്രായോഗിക കലകളിൽ പരിശീലിപ്പിക്കണം, വിശ്വസ്തരായിട്ടും പ്രിയമായി—അസത്യമായാലും—വാക്കുകൾ പറയുന്നവരാൽ; കൂടാതെ ശരീരസംരക്ഷണം എന്ന വ്യാജേന അവനു കാവൽക്കാരെ നിയോഗിക്കണം।
Lord Agni (in dialogue tradition, instructing Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Operational security for a prince: appoint agreeable, trusted trainers for arts and place guards under the pretext of bodily protection.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Prince’s training and protective surveillance (śilpa-śikṣā + deha-rakṣā-vyāja)","lookup_keywords":["śilpa-śikṣā","rājaputra","rakṣin","deha-rakṣā-vyāja","madhura-vacana"],"quick_summary":"Train the prince in practical arts through vetted instructors who maintain pleasant speech, and ensure continuous security by assigning guards under the guise of protecting his body."}
Concept: Rājopāya: governance through discreet measures—education, psychological management (pleasant speech), and layered protection.
Application: Implement court protocol: background-check instructors, maintain morale via courteous communication, and deploy close protection framed as health/safety to avoid resentment.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma (Niti / Governance and Statecraft)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"The prince learns crafts from trusted instructors who speak gently, while guards stand nearby as if serving health and safety; the scene emphasizes discreet surveillance and training.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural; prince practicing a craft (writing, music, or tool-work) with a smiling teacher; guards positioned unobtrusively behind pillars; visual cues of ‘protection as health’ (attendant with parasol/medicine box).","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore; richly adorned prince with tutor presenting tools of arts; gold-highlighted guards at the edges; a protective amulet/armlet motif suggesting bodily safeguarding.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore; clear instructional layout: teacher, prince, art implements; guards labeled as rakṣin; calm palette and fine linework emphasizing protocol.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature; palace classroom with courteous tutor; guards blending into the background; subtle gestures showing controlled access; detailed interiors and textiles."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: śikṣayeccaivamāptair = śikṣayet ca evam āptaiḥ; rakṣiṇo 'sya = rakṣiṇaḥ asya.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 224 (rājadharma measures for protection and training)
FAQs
It imparts rāja-nīti: training a royal charge in practical arts (śilpa) via trusted instructors and instituting personal security by appointing guards under the stated aim of bodily protection.
Beyond theology, it preserves pragmatic governance—education policy, courtly management, and security arrangements—showing the Agni Purana’s broad coverage of administrative science alongside ritual and doctrine.
By emphasizing protection and disciplined training, it aligns rulership with dharma: safeguarding life and ensuring competent conduct, which supports righteous governance and reduces harm (hiṃsā) within the realm.