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
Modern English
“Tyranny is made worse when a cruel ruler gathers unwise people to carry out harmful orders; such a system becomes a burden to everyone.”
Modern Interpretation
Tyranny is made worse when a cruel ruler gathers unwise people to carry out harmful orders; such a system becomes a burden to everyone. A corrupt club leader may surround themselves with friends who never question unfair decisions.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Tyranny is made worse when a cruel ruler gathers unwise people to carry out harmful orders; such a system becomes a burden to everyone.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
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
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The earth bears up no greater burden than ignorant men whom a cruel sceptre attaches to itself (as the ministers of its evil deeds)
Tamil commentary
மக்கள் அஞ்சும்படி தண்டனை தரும் ஆட்சி, நீதி நூல்களைக் கல்லாதவரின் துணையுடன் நிற்கும் நாட்டிற்கு அக்கூட்டத்தாரைவிடப் பெரிய சுமை வேறு இல்லை.
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