Kural #387
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Tamil text
இன்சொலால் ஈத்தளிக்க வல்லார்க்குத்
தன்சொலால் தான்கண் டனைத்திவ் வுலகு
Iṉcolāl īttaḷikka vallārkku
Taṉcolāl tāṉkaṇ ṭaṉaittiv vulaku
English translation
The world is in the command of one who can speak sweetly and give generously.
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Explanation
Sweet speech (இன்சொல்) combined with generous giving (ஈத்தளித்தல்) makes a king so powerful that the world obeys his very word (தன்சொலால் தான்கண்டது). Such kings command through love, not fear.
விளக்கம்
இக்குறள் இறைமாட்சி அதிகாரத்தில் உள்ளது. இனிமையாகப் பேசி, தாராளமாகத் தருபவரை உலகம் மதிக்கும். அவர் சொல்லே கட்டளையாகும். அன்பு காட்டி ஆள்பவரே சிறந்த அரசர் என்பதை இது உணர்த்துகிறது.
Word meanings
- இன்சொலால்iṉcolālby sweet words
- ஈத்துīttugiving
- அளிக்கaḷikkato protect/nurture
- வல்லார்க்குvallārkkufor those who can
- தன்சொலால்taṉcolālby his word
- கண்டனைத்துkaṇṭaṉaittuas he commands
- உலகுulakuthe world
Story behind this kural
In a valley nestled between two towering peaks lived two kings. King Alaric ruled with a stern voice and heavy taxes. His granaries overflowed, but his people whispered complaints. King Theron, on the other hand, spoke kindly and offered aid when times were tough. One year, a terrible drought struck. Alaric’s stores remained full, but his people suffered. They begged for grain, but he refused, fearing his wealth would dwindle. Meanwhile, Theron opened his storehouses, sharing freely. His people, though facing hardship, were grateful and worked together to conserve what remained. When the rains finally returned, both kings announced new laws. Alaric's decrees were met with sullen silence. Theron's words, however, were received with joyous cooperation. His people, energized by his kindness, rebuilt their lives and the valley flourished, a testament to the power of a gentle word and a generous heart.