Thirukkural 748 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
முற்றாற்றி முற்றி யவரையும் பற்றாற்றிப்
பற்றியார் வெல்வது அரண்.
Transliteration
Mutraatri Mutri Yavaraiyum Patraatrip
Patriyaar Velvadhu Aran
Modern English
“A fort proves its strength when its defenders hold their ground and overcome even a stronger force outside.”
Modern Interpretation
A fort proves its strength when its defenders hold their ground and overcome even a stronger force outside. A smaller emergency team can protect a shelter if it stays organized instead of abandoning its position in panic.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A fort proves its strength when its defenders hold their ground and overcome even a stronger force outside.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
A fort holds itself and defies The attacks of encircling foes
G.U. Pope Translation
Howe'er the circling foe may strive access to win,A fort should give the victory to those who guard within
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
That is a fort whose inmates are able to overcome without losing their ground, even abler men who have besieged it
Tamil commentary
கோட்டைக்குள் இருப்போர் தாம் இருக்கும். இடத்தை விட்டுவிடாமல் நின்று படைமிகுதியால் சூழ்ந்து கொண்ட பகைவரையும் பொருது, வெல்வதே அரண்.
Chapter 75
More from The Fortification
அரண்
The fort is vital for offence Who fear the foes has its defence
Kural 742A crystal fount, a space a mount Thick woods form a fort paramount
Kural 743An ideal fort's so says science: High, broad, strong and hard for access
Kural 744Ample in space, easy to hold The fort foils enemies bold
Kural 745Impregnable with stores of food Cosy to live-That fort is good
Kural 746A fort is full of stores and arms And brave heroes to meet alarms
Kural 747Besieging foes a fort withstands Darts and mines of treacherous hands
Kural 748A fort holds itself and defies The attacks of encircling foes
Kural 749A fort it is that fells the foes And gains by deeds a name glorious
Kural 750But a fort however grand Is nil if heroes do not stand