Thirukkural 564 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
இறைகடியன் என்றுரைக்கும் இன்னாச்சொல் வேந்தன்
உறைகடுகி ஒல்லைக் கெடும்.
Transliteration
Iraikatiyan Endruraikkum Innaachchol Vendhan
Uraikatuki Ollaik Ketum
Modern English
“When people regularly describe their ruler as cruel, that ruler's power and honor will not last.”
Modern Interpretation
When people regularly describe their ruler as cruel, that ruler's power and honor will not last. An online community led by someone known for harshness will quickly lose members and respect.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
When people regularly describe their ruler as cruel, that ruler's power and honor will not last.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
As men the king a tyrant call His days dwindled, hasten his fall
G.U. Pope Translation
'Ah! cruel is our king', where subjects sadly say,His age shall dwindle, swift his joy of life decay
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The king who is spoken of as cruel will quickly perish; his life becoming shortened
Tamil commentary
நம்மை ஆளுவோர் மிகவும் கொடியவர் என்று குடிமக்களால் சொல்லப்படும் கொடுஞ் சொல்லைப் பெற்ற ஆட்சி அதன் ஆட்சிக் காலம் குறைந்து விரைவி்ல் அழியும்.
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