Thirukkural 749 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
முனைமுகத்து மாற்றலர் சாய வினைமுகத்து
வீறெய்தி மாண்ட தரண்.
Transliteration
Munaimukaththu Maatralar Saaya Vinaimukaththu
Veereydhi Maanta Tharan
Modern English
“A fort is truly excellent when the people inside can use wise tactics to defeat attackers at the point of danger.”
Modern Interpretation
A fort is truly excellent when the people inside can use wise tactics to defeat attackers at the point of danger. A trained rescue and security team may protect a facility by responding strategically rather than reacting blindly.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A fort is truly excellent when the people inside can use wise tactics to defeat attackers at the point of danger.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
A fort it is that fells the foes And gains by deeds a name glorious
G.U. Pope Translation
At outset of the strife a fort should foes dismay;And greatness gain by deeds in every glorious day
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
A fort is that which derives excellence from the stratagems made (by its inmates) to defeat their enemies in the battlefield
Tamil commentary
போர் தொடங்கிய உடனே பகைவர் அழியும்படி உள்ளிருப்போர் செய்யும் போர்த்திறத்தால் சிறந்த விளங்குவதே 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