The Majesty of a King
Tap an underlined Tamil word to explore its sound, meaning, and use.
añcāmai yīkaiyaṟi vūkka minnāṉku / meñcāmai vēntaṟ kiyalpu
“Courage, a liberal hand, wisdom, and energy: these four / Are qualities a king adorn for evermore.”
“Four qualities should never be wanting in the prince, namely, courage, liberality, wisdom, and energy.”
Unfailing courage, generosity, wisdom, and purposeful energy—these four are the proper qualities of a ruler.
Ask about this Kural
Answers are drawn only from this Kural's sourced text and named commentary, and always cite what they used.
Choose a section
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
வேந்தற்கு இயல்பு- அரசனுக்கு இயல்பாவது; அஞ்சாமை ஈகை அறிவு ஊக்கம் இந்நான்கும் எஞ்சாமை- திண்மையும் கொடையும் அறிவும் ஊக்கமும் என்னும் இந்நான்கு குணமும் இடைவிடாது நிற்றல் என்றவாறு.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Unyielding courage, generous munificence, penetrating wisdom, and tireless energy—these four virtues should never diminish in the character of an exemplary ruler.