Thirukkural 549 in English

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

Tamil original

குடிபுறங் காத்தோம்பிக் குற்றம் கடிதல்
வடுவன்று வேந்தன் தொழில்.

Transliteration

Kutipurang Kaaththompik Kutram Katidhal
Vatuvandru Vendhan Thozhil

English Translation

“Save his subjects and chide the wrong Is flawless duty of a king”

Plain-English meaning

In guarding his subjects (against injury from others), and in preserving them himself; to punish crime

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Save his subjects and chide the wrong Is flawless duty of a king

G.U. Pope Translation

Abroad to guard, at home to punish, bringsNo just reproach; 'tis work assigned to kings

Plain-English Meaning

In guarding his subjects (against injury from others), and in preserving them himself; to punish crime

அயலவர் அழிக்காமல் குடிமக்களையும் தன்னையும் காத்து, குடிகளின் குறைகளைக் களைந்து நேரிய ஆட்சி செய்வது, ஆட்சியாளருக்குக் குறை ஆகாது. அது அவர் தொழில்.

Chapter 55

செங்கோன்மை

Test and attest impartially Consult and act the laws justly

The earth looks up to sky and thrives And mankind to king's rod of justice

The Sage's scripture and virtue spring From the sceptre of a stately king

The world clings to the ruler's feet Whose sceptre clasps the people's heart

Full rains and yields enrich the land Which is ruled by a righteous hand

Not the spear but the sceptre straight That brings success to monarch's might

The king protects the entire earth And justice protects his royal worth

Hard of access, the unjust king He shall himself his ruin bring

Save his subjects and chide the wrong Is flawless duty of a king

Killing killers, the king, behold Weeds removes from cropful field