Sutra 6

Devanagari script

दण्डनीतिरेका विद्येत्यौशनसाः ॥ कZ_०१.२.०६ ॥

Transliteration

daṇḍanītir ekā vidyety auśanasāḥ

Translation

ഉശനസിന്റെ അനുയായികളുടെ അഭിപ്രായത്തിൽ ദണ്ഡനീതിയേ ഏകമാത്ര വിദ്യയാണ്.

Word by Word

दण्डनीतिःthe policy/science of punishment (statecraft through coercive authority)

एकाalone; the only one

विद्याknowledge; science

इतिthus; ‘so’ (quotative marker)

औशनसाःthe followers of Uśanas (Śukra); the Auśanasa school

Entities Mentioned

Daṇḍanīti

Uśanas (Śukra)

Auśanasāḥ (school of Uśanas)

FAQs

What is the strategic objective (Artha) of this verse?

To assert that effective rule depends primarily on enforceable authority—law, sanctions, and coercive capacity—because these secure order and make all other knowledge operational for the state.

How does this apply to modern governance?

It parallels the modern view that institutions and policies work only when backed by credible enforcement: rule of law, administrative compliance mechanisms, policing standards, and accountable coercive power.

What is the specific duty of the ruler/official mentioned?

No specific official is named; the implied duty of the ruler is to maintain order through a coherent system of laws and penalties, ensuring compliance and stability as the foundation for prosperity and security.