Thirukkural 556 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
மன்னர்க்கு மன்னுதல் செங்கோன்மை அஃதின்றேல்
மன்னாவாம் மன்னர்க் கொளி.
Transliteration
Mannarkku Mannudhal Sengonmai Aqdhindrel
Mannaavaam Mannark Koli
Modern English
“A ruler's reputation lasts when it is built on fair government; power without justice is quickly forgotten.”
Modern Interpretation
A ruler's reputation lasts when it is built on fair government; power without justice is quickly forgotten. A team captain is remembered for consistent fairness, not for having the loudest voice.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A ruler's reputation lasts when it is built on fair government; power without justice is quickly forgotten.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Glory endures by sceptre right Without it wanes the royal light
G.U. Pope Translation
To rulers' rule stability is sceptre right;When this is not, quenched is the rulers' light
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Righteous government gives permanence to (the fame of) kings; without that their fame will have no endurance
Tamil commentary
ஆட்சியாளர்க்குப் புகழ் நிலைத்திருக்கக் காரணம் நேர்மையான ஆட்சியே. அந்த ஆட்சி இல்லை என்றால் புகழும் நிலைத்திருக்காது.
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