Thirukkural 551 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
கொலைமேற்கொண் டாரிற் கொடிதே அலைமேற்கொண்டு
அல்லவை செய்தொழுகும் வேந்து.
Transliteration
Kolaimerkon Taarir Kotidhe Alaimerkontu
Allavai Seydhozhukum Vendhu
Modern English
“A leader who uses public power to oppress people can be more harmful than a single criminal because their decisions affect an entire community.”
Modern Interpretation
A leader who uses public power to oppress people can be more harmful than a single criminal because their decisions affect an entire community. Authority carries a duty to protect, not exploit. For example, a corrupt official who takes money from vulnerable families and denies them basic services causes widespread harm through the power entrusted to them.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A leader who uses public power to oppress people can be more harmful than a single criminal because their decisions affect an entire community.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
The unjust tyrant oppressor Is worse than cruel murderer
G.U. Pope Translation
Than one who plies the murderer's trade, more cruel is the kingWho all injustice works, his subjects harassing
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The king who gives himself up to oppression and acts unjustly (towards his subjects) is more cruel than the man who leads the life of a murderer
Tamil commentary
குடிமக்களின் பொருள்மீது ஆசை கொண்டு அவர்களைத் துன்புறுத்தித் தவறாக ஆளும் அரசு பகைகொண்டு பிறரைக் கொலை செய்பவரைக் காட்டிலும் கொடியது.
Chapter 56
More from The Cruel Sceptre
கொடுங்கோன்மை
The unjust tyrant oppressor Is worse than cruel murderer
Kural 552Sceptered tyrant exacting gold Is \"give\" of lanced robber bold
Kural 553Spy wrongs daily and do justice Or day by day the realm decays
Kural 554The king shall wealth and subjects lose If his sceptre he dares abuse
Kural 555Groaning tears caused by tyrant's sway File the royal wealth away
Kural 556Glory endures by sceptre right Without it wanes the royal light
Kural 557Dry like the earth without rainfall Is graceless king to creatures all
Kural 558To have is worse than having not If ruler is unjust despot
Kural 559The sky withdraws season's shower If the king misuses his power
Kural 560The *six-functioned forget their lore Cows give less if kings guard no more * the six functions are: learning, teaching, giving, getting, sacrificing, kindling sacrifice These are duties of Vedic savants