Shloka 10
दुर्ग-निवेश-राजधर्मः | Fortified Capital and the King’s Residential Polity
Rājadharma
समाजोत्सवसम्पन्नं सदा पूजितदैवतम् । वश्यामात्यबलो राजा तत्पुरं स््वयमाविशेत्
samājotsava-sampannaṁ sadā pūjita-daivatam | vaśyāmātya-balo rājā tat-puraṁ svayam āviśet ||
Bhishma disse: “Um rei cujos ministros e forças militares sejam leais e estejam sob seu controle deve ele mesmo entrar e assumir o comando daquela cidade—próspera em assembleias e festivais, e onde as divindades são continuamente honradas.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler should personally assume responsibility for a well-governed city—one marked by social harmony (festivals and assemblies) and religious observance (regular worship). Effective kingship rests on disciplined administration: loyal ministers and a controlled military enable the king to govern directly and protect dharma.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on royal duty, Bhīṣma advises the king on the conditions of a stable realm and the proper royal response: when the city is prosperous, socially vibrant, and devoted, and when the king’s ministers and forces are obedient, the king should himself enter and take up governance there.