Thirukkural 552 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
வேலொடு நின்றான் இடுவென் றதுபோலும்
கோலொடு நின்றான் இரவு.
Transliteration
Velotu Nindraan Ituven Radhupolum
Kolotu Nindraan Iravu
Modern English
“When a ruler demands money through fear rather than fair law, it is little different from a robber holding a weapon.”
Modern Interpretation
When a ruler demands money through fear rather than fair law, it is little different from a robber holding a weapon. A club leader who threatens members into paying for personal expenses is abusing authority, not collecting a fair contribution.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
When a ruler demands money through fear rather than fair law, it is little different from a robber holding a weapon.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Sceptered tyrant exacting gold Is \"give\" of lanced robber bold
G.U. Pope Translation
As 'Give' the robber cries with lance uplift,So kings with sceptred hand implore a gift
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The request (for money) of him who holds the sceptre is like the word of a highway robber who stands with a weapon in hand and says "give up your wealth"
Tamil commentary
தண்டிக்கும் இயல்போடு ஆட்சியாளன் தன் குடிகளிடம் வரி கேட்பது, ஆயுதத்தைப் பிடித்துக் கொண்டு நெடுவழிப் பயணிகளிடம் பணத்தைப் போடு என்று மிரட்டுவதற்குச் சமம்.
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