Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 48
Chapter 226 — राजधर्माः
Rājadharma: Royal Duties and Daṇḍanīti
ये नियुक्ताः स्वकार्येषु हन्युः कार्याणि कर्मिणां निर्घृणाः क्रूरमनसस्तान्निःस्वान् कारयेन्नृपः
ye niyuktāḥ svakāryeṣu hanyuḥ kāryāṇi karmiṇāṃ nirghṛṇāḥ krūramanasastānniḥsvān kārayennṛpaḥ
ये नियुक्ताः स्वकार्येषु कर्मिणां कार्याणि निर्घृणाः क्रूरमनसः हन्युः, तान् निःस्वान् कारयेन्नृपः—धनपदहरणेन।
Lord Agni (in instruction on rajadharma to the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Administrative ethics and anti-corruption enforcement: penalize officials who harass or obstruct workers’ lawful business; remove office and confiscate wealth to deter abuse of power.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Punishment for cruel/obstructive officials","lookup_keywords":["rajadharma","amatya-dosha","official misconduct","confiscation","public welfare"],"quick_summary":"Officials who, despite being appointed to specific duties, cruelly obstruct the livelihood-activities of workers are to be stripped of wealth and position, making them destitute as a deterrent."}
Concept: Rāja as protector of prajā; abuse of delegated power is adharma and must be checked by daṇḍa.
Application: Create clear service rules, grievance channels, and strict penalties for harassment and obstruction by officials.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma (Governance, Administration, and Legal Conduct)
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A king in court hears a worker’s complaint; a cruel official is removed from office and his wealth is seized, leaving him destitute.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style royal court scene, prajā petitioning the king, stern king ordering confiscation, rich flat colors, ornate jewelry, temple-court ambience","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting of a seated king on a jeweled throne, attendants presenting ledgers and seized coins, gold leaf highlights on throne and ornaments, frontal iconic composition","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting showing administrative procedure: scribe recording charges, official stripped of insignia, calm but firm king, delicate lines and soft shading","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature of a durbar with detailed textiles, accountants tallying confiscated wealth, disgraced official led away, naturalistic faces and architectural depth"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तान्निःस्वान् = तान् + निःस्वान् (न् + निः → न्निः).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 226 (Rajadharma/Daṇḍanīti context)
FAQs
It gives a concrete rule of governance: officials who obstruct or harm the legitimate work of subjects through cruelty must be penalized by deprivation—removal of wealth/status—so administration stays accountable.
Alongside ritual and theology, the Agni Purana also codifies statecraft (rajadharma), including administrative ethics and punishments for abuse of power—showing its wide coverage of practical civil governance.
Protecting subjects from oppressive officials is part of the king’s dharma; restraining cruelty supports righteous order (dharma) and prevents the ruler from accruing the karmic burden of injustice committed under his authority.