Thirukkural 750 in English

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

Tamil original

எனைமாட்சித் தாகியக் கண்ணும் வினைமாட்சி
இல்லார்கண் இல்லது அரண்.

Transliteration

Enaimaatchith Thaakiyak Kannum Vinaimaatchi
Illaarkan Illadhu Aran

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

Although a fort may possess all (the above-said) excellence, it is, as it were without these, if its inmates possess not the excellence of action

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

Howe'er majestic castled walls may rise,To craven souls no fortress strength supplies

Plain-English Meaning

Although a fort may possess all (the above-said) excellence, it is, as it were without these, if its inmates possess not the excellence of action

எத்தனை சிறப்புகளை உடையது என்றாலும் வெல்லும் பகை அறிந்து செயல்படும் திறம் இல்லாதவர் இருந்தால், அரண் இருந்தும் இல்லாததே ஆகும்.

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