Shloka 21
Gaṇānāṃ Vṛttiḥ — On the Sustenance and Cohesion of Assemblies
Gaṇa-nīti
द्रव्यवन्तश्न शूराश्व शस्त्रज्ञा: शास्त्रपारगा: । कृच्छास्वापत्सु सम्मूढान् गणा: संतारयन्ति ते
dravyavantaś ca śūrāś ca śastrajñāḥ śāstrapāragāḥ | kṛcchrāsv āpatsu sammūḍhān gaṇāḥ santārayanti te ||
毗湿摩说道：在由伽那（gaṇa，议众/共和共同体）治理的政体中，民众富足勇敢，精通兵器，又通达权威典籍与治世之论。这样的共同体常常救济那些在严酷灾难降临时陷入迷惘的人，引导他们重归安稳与正道。
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma highlights an ethical ideal of collective governance: a well-formed community—prosperous, brave, trained in practical skills, and grounded in śāstra—does not abandon the vulnerable. In crises, it actively ‘ferries across’ the confused and afflicted, making public welfare and moral guidance a shared civic duty.
Within Bhishma’s instruction in the Śānti Parva on polity and dharma, he describes the qualities and benefits of a gaṇa-based state/community. He notes that such citizens, being capable and learned, repeatedly help those who become overwhelmed during severe hardships, ensuring social stability and protection.