Thirukkural 744 in English

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

Tamil original

சிறுகாப்பிற் பேரிடத்த தாகி உறுபகை
ஊக்கம் அழிப்ப தரண்.

Transliteration

Sirukaappir Peritaththa Thaaki Urupakai
Ookkam Azhippa Tharan

English Translation

“Ample in space, easy to hold The fort foils enemies bold”

Plain-English meaning

A fort is that which has an extensive space within, but only small places to be guarded, and such as can destroy the courage of besieging foes

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

Ample in space, easy to hold The fort foils enemies bold

G.U. Pope Translation

A fort must need but slight defence, yet ample be,Defying all the foeman's energy

Plain-English Meaning

A fort is that which has an extensive space within, but only small places to be guarded, and such as can destroy the courage of besieging foes

காவல் செய்யவேண்டிய இடம் சிறியதாயும், கோட்டையின் சுற்றுப் பெரியதாயும், சண்டையிட வரும் பகைவர்க்கு மலைப்பைத் தருவதாயும் அமைவது அரண்.

Chapter 75

அரண்

The fort is vital for offence Who fear the foes has its defence

A crystal fount, a space a mount Thick woods form a fort paramount

An ideal fort's so says science: High, broad, strong and hard for access

Ample in space, easy to hold The fort foils enemies bold

Impregnable with stores of food Cosy to live-That fort is good

A fort is full of stores and arms And brave heroes to meet alarms

Besieging foes a fort withstands Darts and mines of treacherous hands

A fort holds itself and defies The attacks of encircling foes

A fort it is that fells the foes And gains by deeds a name glorious

But a fort however grand Is nil if heroes do not stand