Kural #743
Last reviewed:
Tamil text
உயர்ந்தம் பெரிதுத் தகைமை கவைந்துஎன்று
ஆறு இவை துன்றிய நாடு
Uyarntam peritut takamai kavaintueṉdru
Āṟu ivai tuṉḍriya nāṭu
English translation
Height, vastness, strength, impregnability, difficulty of approach, and inaccessibility—these six form a proper kingdom.
Listen
Explanation
The six essential qualities of a well-fortified kingdom are: elevated position for strategic advantage, large territory, strong defenses, ability to withstand siege, natural barriers making approach difficult, and remote access points.
விளக்கம்
உயரமான இடமும், பரந்த நிலமும், பலமான கோட்டையும், நெருங்க முடியாத வழிகளும் உடைய நாடே சிறந்த அரண். இது அரண் அதிகாரத்தில் சொல்லப்பட்டுள்ளது. பாதுகாப்பே நாட்டின் பலம் என்பதை உணர்த்துகிறது.
Word meanings
- உயர்ந்தம்uyarntamheight/elevation
- பெரிதுperituvastness/greatness
- தகைமைtakamaistrength/quality
- கவைந்துkavaintuimpregnability
- என்றுeṉdrudifficulty to approach
- ஆறுāṟusix
- இவைivaithese
- துன்றியtuṉḍriyacombined/united
- நாடுnāṭucountry
Story behind this kural
The villagers of Oakhaven lived in constant fear. Their valley, though fertile, was vulnerable. Raiders often swept down, plundering their homes. Old Man Hemlock, a wise carpenter, proposed a solution. "We need a fortress," he declared. First, they chose the highest hill, offering a commanding view. Next, they enclosed a vast area, providing space for all. Strong stone walls, built thick and high, formed their defense. The single gate, a marvel of engineering, could withstand any assault. A treacherous ravine and dense forest guarded the approach, making it nearly impossible to surprise them. Finally, a hidden tunnel provided a secret escape route. When the raiders returned, they surveyed the defenses. The hill's height made them visible, the walls resisted their attacks, the ravine made their advance a nightmare. After days of fruitless attempts, the raiders retreated, defeated. Oakhaven, once a target, became a haven.