Shloka 45
Daṇḍanīti and the King as the Cause of Yuga-Order (दण्डनीतिः राजधर्मश्च युगकारणत्वम्)
द्वारेषु च गुरूण्येव यन्त्राणि स्थापयेत् सदा | आरोपयेच्छतघ्नी श्व स्वाधीनानि च कारयेत्,सभी दरवाजोंपर भारी-भारी यन्त्र और तोप सदा लगाये रखे और उन सबको अपने अधिकारमें रखे
dvāreṣu ca gurūṇy eva yantrāṇi sthāpayet sadā | āropayec chataghnīś ca svādhīnāni ca kārayet ||
द्वारेषु च गुरूण्येव यन्त्राणि स्थापयेत् सदा । आरोपयेच्छतघ्नीश्च स्वाधीनानि च कारयेत् ॥
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler must maintain strong, well-positioned defenses at key access points (especially gates) and keep all weaponry and defensive mechanisms firmly under direct authority, emphasizing preparedness and controlled security.
In Bhīṣma’s instruction on rājadharma (kingly duties) within Śānti Parva, he gives practical guidance on fortifying a city/fort: install heavy defensive machines at the gates, mount powerful weapons like śataghnīs, and ensure these assets remain under the ruler’s control.