Shloka 60
Daṇḍanīti and the King as the Cause of Yuga-Order (दण्डनीतिः राजधर्मश्च युगकारणत्वम्)
नटांश्व नर्तकांश्वैव मल्लान् मायाविनस्तथा । शोभयेयु: पुरवरं मोदयेयुश्व॒ सर्वश:
naṭāṁś ca nartakāṁś caiva mallān māyāvinas tathā | śobhayeyuḥ puravaraṁ modayeyuś ca sarvaśaḥ ||
Sinabi ni Bhishma: Kahit sa karaniwang panahon, nararapat na bigyan ng pagtatangkilik at kanlungan ng hari ang mga aktor, mananayaw, mga mandirigmang nakikipagbuno, at mga bihasa sa ilusyon. Pinadadakila nila ang karangyaan ng kabisera at, sa kanilang pagtatanghal, nagdudulot ng ligaya sa lahat.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler’s dharma includes sustaining cultural and recreational life: by supporting performers and athletes, the king promotes public happiness and the dignity of the capital, which strengthens social harmony.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on kingship, Bhishma advises the king on practical duties in peacetime—here, recommending patronage to entertainers and performers who beautify the city and delight the populace.