Thirukkural 561 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
தக்காங்கு நாடித் தலைச்செல்லா வண்ணத்தால்
ஒத்தாங்கு ஒறுப்பது வேந்து.
Transliteration
Thakkaangu Naatith Thalaichchellaa Vannaththaal
Oththaangu Oruppadhu Vendhu
Modern English
“A just ruler examines a wrong carefully and gives a proportionate consequence that prevents it from happening again.”
Modern Interpretation
A just ruler examines a wrong carefully and gives a proportionate consequence that prevents it from happening again. If a student damages shared equipment, hearing both sides and requiring fair repair teaches responsibility better than public humiliation.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A just ruler examines a wrong carefully and gives a proportionate consequence that prevents it from happening again.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
A king enquires and gives sentence Just to prevent future offence
G.U. Pope Translation
Who punishes, investigation made in due degree,So as to stay advance of crime, a king is he
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
He is a king who having equitably examined (any injustice which has been brought to his notice), suitably punishes it, so that it may not be again committed
Tamil commentary
தவறு செய்வோரைக் கண்டு, நடுநிலையில் நின்று ஆய்ந்து, அத்தவற்றை அவர் திரும்பவும் செய்யாமல் இருக்கத் தவற்றுக்கு ஏற்பத் தண்டிப்பதே ஆட்சி.
Chapter 57
More from Absence of Terrorism
வெருவந்த செய்யாமை
A king enquires and gives sentence Just to prevent future offence
Kural 562Wield fast the rod but gently lay This strict mildness prolongs the sway
Kural 563His cruel rod of dreadful deed Brings king's ruin quick indeed
Kural 564As men the king a tyrant call His days dwindled, hasten his fall
Kural 565Whose sight is scarce, whose face is foul His wealth seems watched by a ghoul
Kural 566Whose word is harsh, whose sight is rude His wealth and power quickly fade
Kural 567Reproofs rough and punishments rude Like files conquering power corrode
Kural 568The king who would not take counsels Rages with wrath-his fortune fails
Kural 569The king who builds not fort betimes Fears his foes in wars and dies
Kural 570The crushing burden borne by earth Is tyrants bound to fools uncouth