PrepMaticThirukkural · பொருட்பால் · அமைச்சியல்
அமைச்சு: The Office of Minister of state
About this chapter
அமைச்சு, the office of minister of state, opens a run of chapters on the king's ministers and advisers. It describes the qualities of a good minister and what he owes the ruler he serves.
Kural 631 says a minister is one who can choose the right means, time, method and the difficult task itself. Kural 632 adds firmness, protecting the people, learning and effort to the five things already listed. Kural 633 credits him with the skill to split enemies, keep friends and reconcile those who have drifted apart, and Kural 634 with understanding a matter, carrying it out well and giving firm advice. Kural 635 praises a helper who knows virtue and gives measured, apt counsel, and Kural 636 says natural acuteness joined with learning is hard to resist. Kural 637 gives practical advice: even if one knows the methods, one must know how the world works and act accordingly. Kural 638 sets a duty that stands out: even if the king is utterly ignorant, the minister must give sound advice. Kural 639 warns that a minister plotting harm is worse than seventy crores of enemies. Kural 640 says that ministers who plan well but lack the ability to carry out plans will fail.
Kural 637 and Kural 638 are the two to learn, one for common sense and the other for honest advice.
For the syllabus, the chapter fits governance, since it describes the qualities of a good public servant.
The 10 kurals of அமைச்சு
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.
கருவியும் காலமும் செய்கையும் செய்யும்
அருவினையும் மாண்டது அமைச்சு.
Karuviyum Kaalamum Seykaiyum Seyyum
Aruvinaiyum Maantadhu Amaichchu
A minister is he who grasps, with wisdom large, Means, time, work's mode, and functions rare he must discharge
வன்கண் குடிகாத்தல் கற்றறிதல் ஆள்வினையோடு
ஐந்துடன் மாண்டது அமைச்சு.
Vankan Kutikaaththal Katraridhal Aalvinaiyotu
Aindhutan Maantadhu Amaichchu
A minister must greatness own of guardian power, determined mind, Learn'd wisdom, manly effort with the former five combined
பிரித்தலும் பேணிக் கொளலும் பிரிந்தார்ப்
பொருத்தலும் வல்ல தமைச்சு.
Piriththalum Penik Kolalum Pirindhaarp
Poruththalum Valla Thamaichchu
A minister is he whose power can foes divide, Attach more firmly friends, of severed ones can heal the breaches wide
தெரிதலும் தேர்ந்து செயலும் ஒருதலையாச்
சொல்லலும் வல்லது அமைச்சு.
Theridhalum Therndhu Seyalum Orudhalaiyaach
Chollalum Valladhu Amaichchu
A minister has power to see the methods help afford, To ponder long, then utter calm conclusive word
அறனறிந்து ஆன்றமைந்த சொல்லான்எஞ் ஞான்றுந்
திறனறிந்தான் தேர்ச்சித் துணை.
Aranarindhu Aandramaindha Sollaanenj Gnaandrun
Thiranarindhaan Therchchith Thunai
The man who virtue knows, has use of wise and pleasant wordsWith plans for every season apt, in counsel aid affords
மதிநுட்பம் நூலோடு உடையார்க்கு அதிநுட்பம்
யாவுள முன்நிற் பவை.
Madhinutpam Noolotu Utaiyaarkku Adhinutpam
Yaavula Munnir Pavai
When native subtilty combines with sound scholastic lore,'Tis subtilty surpassing all, which nothing stands before
செயற்கை அறிந்தக் கடைத்தும் உலகத்து
இயற்கை அறிந்து செயல்.
Seyarkai Arindhak Kataiththum Ulakaththu
Iyarkai Arindhu Seyal
Though knowing all that books can teach, 'tis truest tactTo follow common sense of men in act
அறிகொன்று அறியான் எனினும் உறுதி
உழையிருந்தான் கூறல் கடன்.
Arikondru Ariyaan Eninum Urudhi
Uzhaiyirundhaan Kooral Katan
'Tis duty of the man in place aloud to sayThe very truth, though unwise king may cast his words away
பழுதெண்ணும் மந்திரியின் பக்கததுள் தெவ்வோர்
எழுபது கோடி உறும்.
Pazhudhennum Mandhiriyin Pakkadhadhul Thevvor
Ezhupadhu Koti Urum
A minister who by king's side plots evil thingsWorse woes than countless foemen brings
முறைப்படச் சூழ்ந்தும் முடிவிலவே செய்வர்
திறப்பாடு இலாஅ தவர்.
Muraippatach Choozhndhum Mutivilave Seyvar
Thirappaatu Ilaaa Thavar
For gain of end desired just counsel nought availsTo minister, when tact in execution fails
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