Thirukkural 390 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
கொடையளி செங்கோல் குடியோம்பல் நான்கும்
உடையானாம் வேந்தர்க் கொளி.
Transliteration
Kotaiyali Sengol Kutiyompal Naankum
Utaiyaanaam Vendhark Koli
Modern English
“A ruler shines when they combine generosity, compassion, justice, and care for the people.”
Modern Interpretation
A ruler shines when they combine generosity, compassion, justice, and care for the people. For example, a community leader can support families in need, treat opponents fairly, enforce clear rules, and protect the vulnerable.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A ruler shines when they combine generosity, compassion, justice, and care for the people.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
He is the Light of Kings who has Bounty, justice, care and grace
G.U. Pope Translation
Gifts, grace, right sceptre, care of people's weal;These four a light of dreaded kings reveal
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
He is the light of kings who has there four things, beneficence, benevolence, rectitude, and care for his people
Tamil commentary
தேவைப்படுவோர்க்குத் தேவையானவற்றைக் கொடுப்பது, எதிர் கட்சியினரிடமும் இனிதாய்ப்போசுவது, நீதி விளங்கும் ஆட்சி செய்வது, மக்களைப் பாதுகாப்பது இவை நான்கையும் உடையதே அரசுகளுக்கு விளக்குப் போன்றது.
Chapter 39
More from The Greatness of a King
இறைமாட்சி
People, troops, wealth, forts, council, friends Who owns these six is lion of kings
Kural 382Courage, giving, knowledge and zeal Are four failless features royal
Kural 383Alertness, learning bravery Are adjuncts three of monarchy
Kural 384A brave noble king refrains from vice Full of virtue and enterprise
Kural 385The able king gets, stores and guards And spends them for people's safeguards
Kural 386That land prospers where the king is Easy to see, not harsh of words
Kural 387The world commends and acts his phrase Who sweetly speaks and gives with grace
Kural 388He is the Lord of men who does Sound justice and saves his race
Kural 389Under his shelter thrives the world Who bears remarks bitter and bold
Kural 390He is the Light of Kings who has Bounty, justice, care and grace