Shloka 16
King Vena’s Tyranny, the Sages’ Counsel, and the Birth of Niṣāda
स ते मा विनशेद्वीर प्रजानां क्षेमलक्षण: । यस्मिन् विनष्टे नृपतिरैश्वर्यादवरोहति ॥ १६ ॥
sa te mā vinaśed vīra prajānāṁ kṣema-lakṣaṇaḥ yasmin vinaṣṭe nṛpatir aiśvaryād avarohati
स ते मा विनशेद् वीर प्रजानां क्षेमलक्षणः; यस्मिन् विनष्टे नृपतिरैश्वर्याद् अवरोहति॥
Formerly, in practically all parts of the world, there were monarchies, but gradually as monarchy declined from the ideal life of religion to the godless life of sense gratification, monarchies all over the world were abolished. However, simply abolishing monarchy and replacing it with democracy is not sufficient unless the government men are religious and follow in the footsteps of great religious personalities.
FAQs
This verse states that the king’s true welfare is seen in the citizens’ security; when that protective principle is lost, the ruler inevitably declines from power and prosperity.
Vena was turning away from dharma and proper governance; the sages warned him that neglecting the people’s welfare causes a ruler’s downfall.
Leadership is validated by the well-being and safety of those under one’s care; when leaders abandon responsibility and ethics, their authority and stability erode.