Sage Thiru-valluvar
"The Bard of Universal Man"
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Chapter - 39 : The Greatness of a King
 

Introductory Note

Thiru-valluvar highlights qualities of a king – the essential ones and those which make him great.

Translation(s)

One who owns all of these six things, lives like a lion amid the kings: army, people, wealth, ministers, friends, fort.

Explanation

The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.
- John Wooden, American Basketball Coach and Player

Amingst the six things listed, four constitue the king's team - friends, ministers, people, army.

Translation(s)

These four qualities adorn the king increasingly: courage, a liberal hand, wisdom, energy.

Explanation

Courage is first amongst the four:

“Without courage all virtues lose their meaning.”
- Winston Churchill, British Orator, Author and Prime Minister during World War II, ( 1874-1965)

“Courage is the greatest of all virtues, because if you haven't courage, you may not have an opportunity to use any of the others.”
- Samuel Johnson, English Poet, Critic and Writer, (1709-1784)

“Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.”
- C.S. Lewis, British Scholar and Novelist, (1898-1963)

Translation(s)

These three belong to ruler of the land for ever: a sleepless promptitude, knowledge, decision strong.

Explanation

Sleepless promptitude is first amongst the three:

"The price of greatness is responsibility."
- Winston Churchill

Translation(s)

Kingship, not failing in virtue, restrains all vices, not failing in courage; maintains the grace of its honor.

 

Translation(s)

He is a king who treasures gains, stores up, defends, and duly expands his kingdom’s boundaries.

Explanation

Expansion of boundaries one of the aims of the king as per this verse. The king has to move out like the warship.

Translation(s)

The land, where a king is easy to access and where no harsh word repels; the subjects swell with high praise (for their king).

 

Translation(s)

One who is with pleasant speech, gives, and guards with liberal hand; he sees the world obedient to all his commands.

Explanation

What does ‘guards with liberal hands’ mean?

Translation(s)

The king, who guards the realm and maintains strict justice, reigns as god over subject people.

 

Translation(s)

The king of worth, who can endure words bitter to his ears, beneath the shadow of his power the world abides secure.

 

Translation(s)

These four reveal the light of dreaded kings: gift, grace, right scepter, care of people’s weal.

Explanation

None of the four is clear. Right scepter means Right sword of the state. The sword of state rises to action in either meting justice within or defending against enemies, extending the territories.

Thiruvalluvar's Image on Coins Issued by Govt of India to mark
8th International Tamil Conference, 1995.

References