Kural 769Chapter 77: The Excellence of an Army

Thirukkural 769 in English

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

Tamil original

சிறுமையும் செல்லாத் துனியும் வறுமையும்
இல்லாயின் வெல்லும் படை.

Transliteration

Sirumaiyum Sellaath Thuniyum Varumaiyum
Illaayin Vellum Patai

Modern English

“A force can win when it does not keep shrinking, turn against its leader, or suffer from a lack of resources.”

Modern Interpretation

A force can win when it does not keep shrinking, turn against its leader, or suffer from a lack of resources. Unity, loyalty, and support must remain intact. For example, a volunteer group is more likely to finish its work when people stay committed and basic supplies are available.

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Tamil pronunciation

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Modern Plain English

A force can win when it does not keep shrinking, turn against its leader, or suffer from a lack of resources.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

Army shall win if it is free From weakness, aversion, poverty

G.U. Pope Translation

Where weakness, clinging fear and povertyAre not, the host will gain the victory

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

An army can triumph (over its foes) if it is free from diminution; irremediable aversion and poverty

Tamil commentary

எண்ணிக்கையில் சிறுமை, அரசி்ன் மீது மனத்தை விட்டு விலகாத வெறுப்பு, வறுமை இவை எல்லாம் இல்லை என்றால் அந்தப் படை வெற்றி பெறும்.

Chapter 77

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Army gains force by grand array Lacking in stay or dash in fray

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Army shall win if it is free From weakness, aversion, poverty

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