Thirukkural 740 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
ஆங்கமை வெய்தியக் கண்ணும் பயமின்றே
வேந்தமை வில்லாத நாடு.
Transliteration
Aangamai Veydhiyak Kannum Payamindre
Vendhamai Villaadha Naatu
Modern English
“Even great resources are useless when a country lacks a government that serves its people well.”
Modern Interpretation
Even great resources are useless when a country lacks a government that serves its people well. A wealthy city can still fail if corrupt leadership leaves residents without fair services or trust.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Even great resources are useless when a country lacks a government that serves its people well.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Though a land has thus every thing It is worthless without a king
G.U. Pope Translation
Though blest with all these varied gifts' increase,A land gains nought that is not with its king at peace
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Although in possession of all the above mentioned excellences, these are indeed of no use to a country, in the absence of harmony between the sovereign and the sujects
Tamil commentary
மேலே சொல்லப்பட்ட எல்லாம் இருந்தாலும் குடிமக்கள் மீது அன்பு இல்லாத அரசு அமைந்துவிட்டால் அதனால் ஒரு நன்மையும் இல்லை.
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