Thirukkural 563 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
வெருவந்த செய்தொழுகும் வெங்கோல னாயின்
ஒருவந்தம் ஒல்லைக் கெடும்.
Transliteration
Veruvandha Seydhozhukum Vengola Naayin
Oruvandham Ollaik Ketum
Modern English
“A ruler who governs by making people afraid is already heading toward ruin.”
Modern Interpretation
A ruler who governs by making people afraid is already heading toward ruin. A manager who shouts and threatens may get silence for a while, but talented workers soon leave.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A ruler who governs by making people afraid is already heading toward ruin.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
His cruel rod of dreadful deed Brings king's ruin quick indeed
G.U. Pope Translation
Where subjects dread of cruel wrongs endure,Ruin to unjust king is swift and sure
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The cruel-sceptred king, who acts so as to put his subjects in fear, will certainly and quickly come to ruin
Tamil commentary
குடிமக்கள் அஞ்சும்படியாகச் செயல் செய்யும் கொடிய ஆட்சி விரைந்து அழிவது உறுதி.
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