Shloka 13
Rājasūya-sambhāra: Prosperity under Rājadharma and the Initiation of Yudhiṣṭhira’s Sacrifice
शर्मकान् वर्मकांश्वैव व्यजयत् सान्त्वपूर्वकम् । वैदेहक॑ च राजानं जनक॑ जगतीपतिम्,शर्मक और वर्मकोंको उन्होंने समझा-बुझाकर ही जीत लिया। विदेह देशके राजा जनकको भी पुरुषसिंह भीमने अधिक उग्र प्रयास किये बिना ही परास्त किया। फिर शकों और बर्बरोंपर छलसे विजय प्राप्त कर ली
vaiśampāyana uvāca |
śarmakān varmakāṃś caiva vyajayat sāntvapūrvakam |
vaidehakaṃ ca rājānaṃ janakaṃ jagatīpatim |
毗湿摩波耶那说道：他先以怀柔之策胜过舍尔摩迦与伐尔摩迦。又制伏毗提诃之王阇那迦——大地之主——而不施过度严酷。此段彰显治国用兵之分寸：能以劝谕与克制而得胜者，便以柔道取之；唯对不能以温和归顺者，方动用武力或权谋。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights an ethical hierarchy in political action: victory should be sought first through sāntva (conciliation/persuasion), minimizing violence and coercion; force is not the default but a last resort when peaceful submission is possible.
In the account of subjugations during the Sabha Parva, the hero’s campaign includes defeating the Śarmakas and Varmakas through conciliation and also bringing Janaka of Videha under control, emphasizing controlled, non-excessive means of conquest.