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செங்கோன்மை: The Right Sceptre
About this chapter
செங்கோன்மை, the right sceptre, is about just government: a ruler who examines matters, shows no favour and punishes fairly. It is one of the chapters of the Book of Wealth most often linked to governance questions.
Kural 541 gives the definition of justice: investigate, favour no one, wish impartiality towards all and punish as wisely decided. Kural 542 compares the ruler to rain, since as creatures live on rain, subjects live on the king's rule. Kural 543 says the sceptre supports learning and virtue, and Kural 544 that the world embraces the feet of a ruler who embraces his subjects. Kural 545 pairs just rule with rain and abundant harvests. Kural 546 gives the most memorable claim, that victory comes not from the spear but from the sceptre, if it does no injustice. Kural 547 adds that justice, when administered without fault, protects the king in turn. Kural 548 warns that a king who is hard to reach and does not investigate complaints will fall. Kural 549 says that guarding the people and punishing crime is no blot on a king, and Kural 550 compares punishing the cruellest offenders to pulling weeds from a crop.
Kural 541 gives the definition, Kural 546 the best-known claim, and Kural 548 the most practical warning.
For the syllabus, it is the starting point for the work's view on governance, and Chapter 56 gives its counterpart.
The 10 kurals of செங்கோன்மை
Each kural is shown in Tamil with a transliteration and G. U. Pope's English verse translation. Open a kural for its plain English meaning.
ஓர்ந்துகண் ணோடாது இறைபுரிந்து யார்மாட்டும்
தேர்ந்துசெய் வஃதே முறை.
Orndhukan Notaadhu Iraipurindhu Yaarmaattum
Therndhusey Vaqdhe Murai
Search out, to no one favour show; with heart that justice lovesConsult, then act; this is the rule that right approves
வானோக்கி வாழும் உலகெல்லாம் மன்னவன்
கோல் நோக்கி வாழுங் குடி.
Vaanokki Vaazhum Ulakellaam Mannavan
Kol Nokki Vaazhung Kuti
All earth looks up to heav'n whence raindrops fall; All subjects look to king that ruleth all
அந்தணர் நூற்கும் அறத்திற்கும் ஆதியாய்
நின்றது மன்னவன் கோல்.
Andhanar Noorkum Araththirkum Aadhiyaai
Nindradhu Mannavan Kol
Learning and virtue of the sages spring, From all-controlling sceptre of the king
குடிதழீஇக் கோலோச்சும் மாநில மன்னன்
அடிதழீஇ நிற்கும் உலகு.
Kutidhazheeik Kolochchum Maanila Mannan
Atidhazheei Nirkum Ulaku
Whose heart embraces subjects all, lord over mighty landWho rules, the world his feet embracing stands
இயல்புளிக் கோலோச்சும் மன்னவன் நாட்ட
பெயலும் விளையுளும் தொக்கு.
Iyalpulik Kolochchum Mannavan Naatta
Peyalum Vilaiyulum Thokku
Where king, who righteous laws regards, the sceptre wields, There fall the showers, there rich abundance crowns the fields
வேலன்று வென்றி தருவது மன்னவன்
கோலதூஉங் கோடா தெனின்.
Velandru Vendri Tharuvadhu Mannavan
Koladhooung Kotaa Thenin
Not lance gives kings the victory, But sceptre swayed with equity
இறைகாக்கும் வையகம் எல்லாம் அவனை
முறைகாக்கும் முட்டாச் செயின்.
Iraikaakkum Vaiyakam Ellaam Avanai
Muraikaakkum Muttaach Cheyin
The king all the whole realm of earth protects; And justice guards the king who right respects
எண்பதத்தான் ஓரா முறைசெய்யா மன்னவன்
தண்பதத்தான் தானே கெடும்.
Enpadhaththaan Oraa Muraiseyyaa Mannavan
Thanpadhaththaan Thaane Ketum
Hard of access, nought searching out, with partial handThe king who rules, shall sink and perish from the land
குடிபுறங் காத்தோம்பிக் குற்றம் கடிதல்
வடுவன்று வேந்தன் தொழில்.
Kutipurang Kaaththompik Kutram Katidhal
Vatuvandru Vendhan Thozhil
Abroad to guard, at home to punish, bringsNo just reproach; 'tis work assigned to kings
கொலையிற் கொடியாரை வேந்தொறுத்தல் பைங்கூழ்
களைகட் டதனொடு நேர்.
Kolaiyir Kotiyaarai Vendhoruththal Paingoozh
Kalaikat Tadhanotu Ner
By punishment of death the cruel to restrain, Is as when farmer frees from weeds the tender grain
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