Thirukkural 558 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
இன்மையின் இன்னாது உடைமை முறைசெய்யா
மன்னவன் கோற்கீழ்ப் படின்.
Transliteration
Inmaiyin Innaadhu Utaimai Muraiseyyaa
Mannavan Korkeezhp Patin
Modern English
“Wealth brings little comfort when an unjust ruler can seize or misuse it; living safely matters more than owning much.”
Modern Interpretation
Wealth brings little comfort when an unjust ruler can seize or misuse it; living safely matters more than owning much. A shop owner may envy no one if authorities can demand bribes at any time.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Wealth brings little comfort when an unjust ruler can seize or misuse it; living safely matters more than owning much.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
To have is worse than having not If ruler is unjust despot
G.U. Pope Translation
To poverty it adds a sharper sting,To live beneath the sway of unjust king
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Property gives more sorrow than poverty, to those who live under the sceptre of a king without justice
Tamil commentary
தவறாக ஆள்பவரின் ஆட்சிக்குக் கீழ் ஏழையாய் வாழ்வதைக் காட்டிலும் பணக்காரனாய் வாழ்வது துன்பம்.
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