Thirukkural 762 in English

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

Tamil original

உலைவிடத்து ஊறஞ்சா வன்கண் தொலைவிடத்துத்
தொல்படைக் கல்லால் அரிது.

Transliteration

Ulaivitaththu Ooranjaa Vankan Tholaivitaththuth
Tholpataik Kallaal Aridhu

Modern English

“A long-established force shows its deepest courage when it stands by its leader even after suffering losses.”

Modern Interpretation

A long-established force shows its deepest courage when it stands by its leader even after suffering losses. Loyalty is tested when success is no longer certain. For example, an experienced rescue crew may keep helping during a failed operation instead of abandoning the people who depend on it.

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Tamil pronunciation

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Modern Plain English

A long-established force shows its deepest courage when it stands by its leader even after suffering losses.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

Through shots and wounds brave heroes hold Quailing not in fall, the field

G.U. Pope Translation

In adverse hour, to face undaunted might of conquering foe,Is bravery that only veteran host can show

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

Ancient army can alone have the valour which makes it stand by its king at the time of defeat, fearless of wounds and unmindful of its reduced strength

Tamil commentary

தம் அரசுக்கு ஓர் அபாயம் வரும்போது, தாம் எண்ணிக்கையில் குறைவாக இருந்தாலும்‌, தமக்கு ஏற்படும் அழிவிற்கு அஞ்சாது நின்று போரிடும் வீரம், பரம்பரை பரம்பரையாக வாழும் சொந்த நாட்டு மக்களுக்கே அன்றி, மற்றவர்க்கு வருவது கடினம்.

Chapter 77

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