Thirukkural 491 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

தொடங்கற்க எவ்வினையும் எள்ளற்க முற்றும்
இடங்கண்ட பின்அல் லது.

Transliteration

Thotangarka Evvinaiyum Ellarka Mutrum
Itanganta Pinal Ladhu

English Translation

“No action take, no foe despise Until you have surveyed the place”

Plain-English meaning

Let not (a king) despise (an enemy), nor undertake any thing (against him), until he has obtained (a suitable) place for besieging him

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

No action take, no foe despise Until you have surveyed the place

G.U. Pope Translation

Begin no work of war, depise no foe,Till place where you can wholly circumvent you know

Plain-English Meaning

Let not (a king) despise (an enemy), nor undertake any thing (against him), until he has obtained (a suitable) place for besieging him

பகைவரை வளைத்து வெல்லும் இடத்தைக் காணும் முன் எந்தச் செயலையும் தொடங்க வேண்டா; பகைவரை அற்பர் என்று இகழவும் வேண்டா.

Chapter 50

இடனறிதல்

No action take, no foe despise Until you have surveyed the place

Many are gains of fortresses Ev'n to kings of power and prowess

Weaklings too withstand foe's offence In proper fields of strong defence

If fighters fight in vantage field The plans of foes shall be baffled

In water crocodile prevails In land before others it fails

Sea-going ship goes not on shore Nor on sea the strong-wheeled car

No aid but daring dash they need When field is chosen right for deed

Though force is small, if place is right One quells a foe of well-armed might

To face a foe at home is vain Though fort and status are not fine

A fox can kill a war tusker Fearless with feet in deep quagmire