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 ||
ज्याचा जनपद समृद्ध, धन-धान्याने संपन्न, राजाला प्रिय मानणाऱ्या व यज्ञादि सत्कारास तत्पर लोकांनी परिपूर्ण आहे, आणि ज्याचे मंत्री संतुष्ट व पुष्ट आहेत—तोच पार्थिव दृढमूल मानला जातो.
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.