Sage Thiru-valluvar
"The Bard of Universal Man"
Click the links here to read Thirukural in
Hindi,
Arabic, French, Kannada, Konkani, Latin, Malayalam, Marathi, Russian

Chapter - 74 : The Land
 

Introductory Note

In Thirukural there are no addresses to kings or wealthy landowners, such as give a peculiar charm to many of the quatrains in the Naladiyar. Only in Verse-1277, the princess speaks of her beloved as ‘lord of the cool shore’. In Naladiyar, the king is addressed as “Nada” (Lord of the Land). In South a landed proprietor, even of the humblest class, is a “Nadan”. The country has a sea-board, and chains of hills, with forests, and streams flowing down to irrigate the fields below. Nal.10, 71, 142, 146, 161, 166, 186, 194, 211, 212, &c.

In the ‘Nattupadalam’, or chapter describing the Tamil land, in Kamban’s Ramayanam and in the Naishadam, the poets have exhausted the resources of the language in elaborate descriptions of the “Nadu”.

Comp. Manu.vii 69.

Translation(s)

Call that a ‘land’ where spreads unfailing fertility, were resides a band of virtuous men, and those of ample wealth.

 

Translation(s)

That is a ‘land’ which men desire for abundant share of wealth, yielding rich increase, where calamities are rare.

 

Translation(s)

That is the ‘land’, when it bears burdens pressed, yet with unfailing hand pays due tribute to the king.

 

Translation(s)

That is a ‘land’ whose peaceful annals (history) know no fierce famine, nor wasting plague, nor ravage of the foe.

 

Translation(s)

That is the ‘land’ which is free from factions, and desolating civil strife, and band of lurking murderers that afflict the king.

Explanation

In the Tamil word “kurumbu” there may a reference to the “Kurrambar” (Marravar) wild, predatory bands. But Rev. Pope feels it simply means lawlessness and plundering in general.

Translation(s)

Chief of all lands is that where nothing disturbs its peace; or if invaders come, still yields its rich increase.

 

Translation(s)

Water from rains and springs, a mountain near, and waters thence (i.e. after mountains); these make a land, with fortresses sure defense.

Explanation

The limits of Tamil country, as assigned by the “Nannil,”: The eastern sea, Cape Kumari, Kudagam (Coorg) and Vengadam (Tirupati).

This ‘Tamil-land’ has rain; springs that send their waters down the hills; a fine chain of hills as its western frontier, down which flow the Palaru, the Pennarru, the Kaveri, the Vaigai and the Tambarapurni, with many tributaries; and mountain heights which a little effort can convert into strong places of defense.

Translation(s)

A Country’s jewels are these five: unfailing health, fertility, joy, a sure defense and wealth.

 

Translation(s)

That is a ‘land’ which yields increase unsought. That is no ‘land’ whose gifts with toils are bought.

 

Translation(s)

Though blessed with all these varied gifts’ increase; a ‘land’ that is not at peace with its king, gains nothing.

 

The Chariot Building (101 Feet High)
Part of Thiruvalluvar Memorial called 'Valluvar Kottam,' Chennai, India
Credit: Joe Croos, Flickr

References