Significance of Protecting the people
Protecting the people is a central concept across multiple texts, emphasizing the king's responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of his subjects. According to Purana, it reflects the king's obligation to guard against threats and maintain welfare. In Kavya, it's noted as a primary duty of the Kshatriya caste. Dharmashastra further elaborates on the king's roles, linking protection to justice, societal order, and spiritual merit, emphasizing that safeguarding citizens is the highest duty of a king.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Protecting the people'
In Hinduism, "Protecting the people" emphasizes the Kshatriya caste's duty to maintain safety, with kings as primary protectors who ensure justice, well-being, and security of their subjects from various threats.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The primary responsibility of the King, which cannot be effectively carried out without the implementation of Punishment.[1] (2) The responsibility of the king to ensure the safety and well-being of his subjects.[2] (3) The responsibility of the King to safeguard his subjects against harm and wrongdoing, which is linked to the spiritual merit he receives.[3] (4) The role of appointed officials tasked with ensuring the safety and rights of the community against exploitation.[4] (5) The responsibility of the king to ensure the safety and well-being of his subjects, which entitles him to merit.[5]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) The primary duty of a king to ensure the safety and welfare of his subjects.[6] (2) The fundamental duty of the king to safeguard the lives and well-being of his subjects.[7]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The obligation of the king to ensure the safety and well-being of his subjects from internal and external threats.[8]
From: Malatimadhava (study)
(1) One of the primary duties of the Kshatriya caste to ensure the safety and welfare of society.[9]