The Kural
All chapters › Wealth (பொருட்பால்) › Chapter 74
நாடு
Kurals 731–740 of the Thirukkural, in the book of Wealth (பொருட்பால்).
தள்ளா விளையுளும் தக்காரும் தாழ்விலாச்
செல்வரும் சேர்வது நாடு.
Where spreads fertility unfailing, where resides a band,
Of virtuous men, and those of ample wealth, call that a 'land'
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: A good land has thriving farms, good people and businesses with plenty to trade.
Open in the appபெரும்பொருளால் பெட்டக்க தாகி அருங்கேட்டால்
ஆற்ற விளைவது நாடு.
That is a 'land' which men desire for wealth's abundant share,
Yielding rich increase, where calamities are rare.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: A good land is so rich that others envy it, keeps growing and avoids what would ruin it.
Open in the appபொறையொருங்கு மேல்வருங்கால் தாங்கி இறைவற்கு
இறையொருங்கு நேர்வது நாடு.
When burthens press, it bears; Yet, With unfailing hand
To king due tribute pays: that is the 'land'
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: A good land can bear any pressure from outside and still pay its way.
Open in the appஉறுபசியும் ஓவாப் பிணியும் செறுபகையும்
சேரா தியல்வது நாடு.
That is a 'land' whose peaceful annals know,
Nor famine fierce, nor wasting plague, nor ravage of the foe.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: A good land is free from famine, incurable disease and destructive enemies.
Open in the appபல்குழுவும் பாழ்செய்யும் உட்பகையும் வேந்தலைக்கும்
கொல்குறும்பும் இல்லது நாடு.
From factions free, and desolating civil strife, and band
Of lurking murderers that king afflict, that is the 'land'.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: A good land has no factions, no traitors within and no violent gangs troubling its leaders.
Open in the appகேடறியாக் கெட்ட இடத்தும் வளங்குன்றா
நாடென்ப நாட்டின் தலை.
Chief of all lands is that, where nought disturbs its peace;
Or, if invaders come, still yields its rich increase.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: The best land is one that isn't damaged by enemies, and even when hit, keeps producing.
Open in the appஇருபுனலும் வாய்ந்த மலையும் வருபுனலும்
வல்லரணும் நாட்டிற்கு உறுப்பு.
Waters from rains and springs, a mountain near, and waters thence;
These make a land, with fortress' sure defence.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: A land needs rain, rivers, well-placed hills and strong defences.
Open in the appபிணியின்மை செல்வம் விளைவின்பம் ஏமம்
அணியென்ப நாட்டிவ் வைந்து.
A country's jewels are these five: unfailing health,
Fertility, and joy, a sure defence, and wealth.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: Good health, wealth, produce, happiness and security: those are a land's jewels.
Open in the appநாடென்ப நாடா வளத்தன நாடல்ல
நாட வளந்தரு நாடு.
That is a land that yields increase unsought,
That is no land whose gifts with toil are bought.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: A great land is one whose wealth comes naturally; one that has to slave for every bit is less great.
Open in the appஆங்கமை வெய்தியக் கண்ணும் பயமின்றே
வேந்தமை வில்லாத நாடு.
Though blest with all these varied gifts' increase,
A land gains nought that is not with its king at peace.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: Even with all these gifts, a country is useless if its leaders and people aren't in harmony.
Open in the app