Thirukkural 733 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
பொறையொருங்கு மேல்வருங்கால் தாங்கி இறைவற்கு
இறையொருங்கு நேர்வது நாடு.
Transliteration
Poraiyorungu Melvarungaal Thaangi Iraivarku
Iraiyorungu Nervadhu Naatu
Modern English
“A good country can carry new burdens, such as welcoming displaced people, while still meeting its responsibilities to the government and community.”
Modern Interpretation
A good country can carry new burdens, such as welcoming displaced people, while still meeting its responsibilities to the government and community. When a disaster brings new families to a town, strong local resources let it provide shelter and keep essential services running.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A good country can carry new burdens, such as welcoming displaced people, while still meeting its responsibilities to the government and community.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
It's land that bears pressing burdens And pays its tax which king demands
G.U. Pope Translation
When burthens press, it bears; Yet, With unfailing handTo king due tribute pays: that is the 'land'
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
A kingdom is that which can bear any burden that may be pressed on it (from adjoining kingdoms) and (yet) pay the full tribute to its sovereign
Tamil commentary
போர், இயற்கை அழிவு ஆகியவற்றால் மக்கள் பிற நாடுகளில் இருந்து வந்தால் அந்த பாரத்தையும் தாங்கும்; தன் அரசிற்குத் தான் தரவேண்டிய வரியையும் மகிழ்வோடு தரும்; இதுவே நாடு.
Chapter 74
More from The Land
நாடு
It's country which has souls of worth Unfailing yields and ample wealth
Kural 732The Land has large luring treasure Where pests are nil and yields are sure
Kural 733It's land that bears pressing burdens And pays its tax which king demands
Kural 734It is country which is free from Fierce famine, plague and foemen's harm
Kural 735Sects and ruinous foes are nil No traitors in a land tranquil
Kural 736The land of lands no ruin knows Even in grief its wealth yet grows
Kural 737Waters up and down, hills and streams With strong forts as limbs country beams
Kural 738Rich yield, delight, defence and wealth Are jewels of lands with blooming health
Kural 739A land is land which yields unsought Needing hard work the land is nought
Kural 740Though a land has thus every thing It is worthless without a king