Chapter 74 – The Land / Naatu
Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 731
Where spreads fertility unfailing, where resides a band,
Of virtuous men, and those of ample wealth, call that a ‘land’.
Explanation
A kingdom is that in which (those who carry on) a complete cultivation, virtuous persons, and.
Transliteration
Thallaa Vilaiyulum Thakkaarum Thaazhvilaach
Chelvarum Servadhu Naatu.
Couplet 732
That is a ‘land’ which men desire for wealth’s abundant share,
Yielding rich increase, where calamities are rare.
Explanation
A kingdom is that which is desire for its immense wealth, and which grows greatly in prosperity, being free from destructive causes.
Transliteration
Perumporulaal Pettakka Thaaki Arungettaal
Aatra Vilaivadhu Naatu.
Couplet 733
When burthens press, it bears; Yet, With unfailing hand
To king due tribute pays: that is the ‘land’.
Explanation
A kingdom is that which can bear any burden that may be pressed on it (from adjoining kingdoms) and (yet) pay the full tribute to its sovereign.
Transliteration
Poraiyorungu Melvarungaal Thaangi Iraivarku
Iraiyorungu Nervadhu Naatu.
Couplet 734
That is a ‘land’ whose peaceful annals know,
Nor famine fierce, nor wasting plague, nor ravage of the foe.
Explanation
A kingdom is that which continues to be free from excessive starvation, irremediable epidemics, and destructive foes.
Transliteration
Urupasiyum Ovaap Piniyum Serupakaiyum
Seraa Thiyalvadhu Naatu.
Couplet 735
From factions free, and desolating civil strife, and band
Of lurking murderers that king afflict, that is the ‘land’.
Explanation
A kingdom is that which is without various (irregular) associations, destructive internal enemies, and murderous savages who (sometimes) harass the sovereign.
Transliteration
Palkuzhuvum Paazhseyyum Utpakaiyum Vendhalaikkum
Kolkurumpum Illadhu Naatu.
Couplet 736
Chief of all lands is that, where nought disturbs its peace;
Or, if invaders come, still yields its rich increase.
Explanation
The learned say that the best kingdom is that which knows no evil (from its foes), and, if injured (at all), suffers no diminution in its fruitfulness.
Transliteration
Ketariyaak Ketta Itaththum Valangundraa
Naatenpa Naattin Thalai.
Couplet 737
Waters from rains and springs, a mountain near, and waters thence;
These make a land, with fortress’ sure defence.
Explanation
The constituents of a kingdom are the two waters (from above and below), well situated hills and an undestructible fort.
Transliteration
Irupunalum Vaaindha Malaiyum Varupunalum
Vallaranum Naattirku Uruppu.
Couplet 738
A country’s jewels are these five: unfailing health,
Fertility, and joy, a sure defence, and wealth.
Explanation
Freedom from epidemics, wealth, produce, happiness and protection (to subjects); these five, the learned, say, are the ornaments of a kingdom.
Transliteration
Piniyinmai Selvam Vilaivinpam Emam
Aniyenpa Naattiv Vaindhu.
Couplet 739
That is a land that yields increase unsought,
That is no land whose gifts with toil are bought.
Explanation
The learned say that those are kingdom whose wealth is not laboured for, and those not, whose wealth is only obtained through labour.
Transliteration
Naatenpa Naataa Valaththana Naatalla
Naata Valandharu Naatu.
Couplet 740
Though blest with all these varied gifts’ increase,
A land gains nought that is not with its king at peace.
Explanation
Although in possession of all the above mentioned excellences, these are indeed of no use to a country, in the absence of harmony between the sovereign and the sujects.
Transliteration
Aangamai Veydhiyak Kannum Payamindre
Vendhamai Villaadha Naatu.
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