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Kural #733

Wealth· பொருள்The Country· நாடு

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Tamil text

பொறையொருங்கு மேல்வருங்கால் தான்கூழாஞ்

சிறுமைப் பெருமையதா நாடு

Poṟaiyoruṅku mēlvaruṅkāl tāṉkūḻāñ

Ciṟumaip perumaigatā nāṭu

English translation

A country's greatness, though small in size, is measured by its ability to support its king even when enemies attack together.

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Explanation

The true measure of a nation is not its geographical size but its resilience and capacity to sustain its ruler during times of crisis. A small country that can withstand combined enemy assaults demonstrates genuine greatness.

விளக்கம்

குறள் 733 விளக்கம்: ஒரு நாடு சிறியதாக இருந்தாலும், பகைவர்கள் ஒன்றாகத் தாக்கினாலும் அரசரையும், தன்னையும் காக்கும் திறன் பெற்றிருந்தால் அதுவே சிறந்த நாடு. இது நாட்டின் வலிமையையும், ஒற்றுமையையும் காட்டுகிறது. "நாடு" அதிகாரத்தில், நாட்டின் சிறப்பை இது விளக்குகிறது.

Word meanings

  • பொறைpoṟaiburden/resources
  • ஒருங்குoruṅkutogether/united
  • மேல்வரும்கால்mēlvaruṅkālwhen attacking from above/when enemies come
  • தான்tāṉitself
  • கூழாம்kūḻāmnot perishing/sustaining
  • சிறுமைciṟumaismallness
  • பெருமைperumaigreatness
  • அதுatuthat
  • ஆāis
  • நாடுnāṭucountry

Story behind this kural

In a valley nestled between towering peaks, lived two kingdoms. The larger, ruled by King Theron, boasted vast farmlands and a sprawling city. The smaller, governed by Queen Lyra, was known for its shrewd merchants and sturdy defenses, but its land was less fertile. When a coalition of envious kingdoms declared war, King Theron, confident in his size, scoffed at Lyra's warnings. His armies, though numerous, were disorganized and ill-prepared. Soon, the enemy surrounded his capital. Panic spread, and his people, burdened by heavy taxes, offered little support. Queen Lyra, however, rallied her people. Though her kingdom was small, every citizen, from farmer to blacksmith, understood their role. They provided provisions, mended weapons, and sent their best warriors. Their tight-knit community, united by loyalty, stood firm against the invaders. While Theron's kingdom crumbled, Lyra's, though smaller, held strong, a beacon of resilience.