Thirukkural 570 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

கல்லார்ப் பிணிக்கும் கடுங்கோல் அதுவல்லது
இல்லை நிலக்குப் பொறை.

Transliteration

Kallaarp Pinikkum Katungol Adhuvalladhu
Illai Nilakkup Porai

English Translation

“The crushing burden borne by earth Is tyrants bound to fools uncouth”

Plain-English meaning

The earth bears up no greater burden than ignorant men whom a cruel sceptre attaches to itself (as the ministers of its evil deeds)

Listen

Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

The crushing burden borne by earth Is tyrants bound to fools uncouth

G.U. Pope Translation

Tyrants with fools their counsels share:Earth can no heavier burthen bear

Plain-English Meaning

The earth bears up no greater burden than ignorant men whom a cruel sceptre attaches to itself (as the ministers of its evil deeds)

மக்கள் அஞ்சும்படி தண்டனை தரும் ஆட்சி, நீதி நூல்களைக் கல்லாதவரின் துணையுடன் நிற்கும் நாட்டிற்கு அக்கூட்டத்தாரைவிடப் பெரிய சுமை வேறு இல்லை.

Chapter 57

வெருவந்த செய்யாமை

A king enquires and gives sentence Just to prevent future offence

Wield fast the rod but gently lay This strict mildness prolongs the sway

His cruel rod of dreadful deed Brings king's ruin quick indeed

As men the king a tyrant call His days dwindled, hasten his fall

Whose sight is scarce, whose face is foul His wealth seems watched by a ghoul

Whose word is harsh, whose sight is rude His wealth and power quickly fade

Reproofs rough and punishments rude Like files conquering power corrode

The king who would not take counsels Rages with wrath-his fortune fails

The king who builds not fort betimes Fears his foes in wars and dies

The crushing burden borne by earth Is tyrants bound to fools uncouth