Kural #1030
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Tamil text
நலத்தின்கண் நாரின்மை தோன்றின்
அவனைக் குலத்தின்கண் ஐயப் படும்
Nalattiṉkaṇ nāriṉmai tōṉṟiṉ
Avaṉaik kulattiṉkaṇ aiyap paṭum
English translation
If a lack of refinement appears in one's virtue, people will doubt his noble lineage.
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Explanation
Coarse behavior reveals ignoble origins. When someone lacks cultural refinement despite claiming noble birth, their true lineage becomes suspect.
விளக்கம்
ஒருவர் நல்லவராக இருந்தாலும், பண்பில் குறை இருந்தால், அவர் குடும்பப் பெருமையே சந்தேகிக்கப்படும். நற்குணங்கள் இல்லாவிட்டால், உயர் குடிப்பிறப்பு கேள்விக்குறியாகும். "குடிசெயல் வகை" அதிகாரப்படி, குடும்பப் பெருமைக்கு நற்பண்பே அடிப்படை.
Word meanings
- நலம்nalamvirtue/goodness
- கண்kaṇin
- நாரின்மைnāriṉmailack of refinement/coarseness
- தோன்றின்tōṉṟiṉif appears
- அவனைavaṉaihim
- குலம்kulamlineage/family
- ஐயaiyadoubt
- படும்paṭumwill undergo
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a whispering river lived two young men, both claiming descent from a revered lineage. Kumar, the first, was known for his boisterous laughter and quick temper. He’d loudly haggle with merchants, and his table manners at the village feasts were far from refined. Though he boasted of his noble ancestors, his actions often contradicted his words. Arun, the second, possessed a quiet dignity. He spoke softly, always offering a helping hand. He treated everyone with respect, whether they were the humble potter or the wealthy landowner. At gatherings, his thoughtful conversation and graceful conduct were admired by all. One day, a visiting dignitary arrived, seeking a worthy companion for a journey. Kumar, eager to impress, presented himself, boasting of his lineage. Arun also offered his services. The dignitary, observing their demeanor and interactions, chose Arun without hesitation. Kumar was left fuming, unable to understand why he had been overlooked.