PrepMaticThirukkural · பொருட்பால் · அரணியல்
அரண்: The Fortification
About this chapter
அரண், the fortification, describes what makes a fort worth having. It is one of the "essentials of a state" (அரணியல்) in the Porutpaal, alongside the land in chapter 74.
Kural 741 says a fort is valuable both to those who march out against their enemies and to those who shelter from them. Kurals 742 and 743 list its features: clear water, open land, a hill and shady forest, and the four qualities of height, breadth, strength and inaccessibility. Kurals 744 to 746 turn to design and supply. A good fort has a large interior but needs only a small guard, is hard to capture, holds ample food and is easy to defend; it has all that is needed, and brave defenders. Kural 747 says it must withstand siege, assault and tunnelling. Kural 748 praises the fort whose defenders overcome even those who surround it, and Kural 749 adds that it should bring enemies down at the front of battle. Kural 750 ends with the chapter's real lesson: even a fort with every merit is as good as nothing when its defenders lack the excellence of action.
Kural 750 is the most useful, since it states that people matter more than walls. Kural 743 is worth learning for its four terms.
For the syllabus, it relates to governance and the idea of security. The chapter's emphasis on resources, supplies and capable people also applies to any institution.
The 10 kurals of அரண்
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.
ஆற்று பவர்க்கும் அரண்பொருள் அஞ்சித்தற்
போற்று பவர்க்கும் பொருள்.
Aatru Pavarkkum Aranporul Anjiththar
Potru Pavarkkum Porul
A fort is wealth to those who act against their foes; Is wealth to them who, fearing, guard themselves from woes
மணிநீரும் மண்ணும் மலையும் அணிநிழற்
காடும் உடைய தரண்.
Manineerum Mannum Malaiyum Aninizhar
Kaatum Utaiya Tharan
A fort is that which owns fount of waters crystal clear, An open space, a hill, and shade of beauteous forest near
உயர்வகலம் திண்மை அருமைஇந் நான்கின்
அமைவரண் என்றுரைக்கும் நூல்.
Uyarvakalam Thinmai Arumaiin Naankin
Amaivaran Endruraikkum Nool
Height, breadth, strength, difficult access:Science declares a fort must these possess
சிறுகாப்பிற் பேரிடத்த தாகி உறுபகை
ஊக்கம் அழிப்ப தரண்.
Sirukaappir Peritaththa Thaaki Urupakai
Ookkam Azhippa Tharan
A fort must need but slight defence, yet ample be, Defying all the foeman's energy
கொளற்கரிதாய்க் கொண்டகூழ்த் தாகி அகத்தார்
நிலைக்கெளிதாம் நீரது அரண்.
Kolarkaridhaaik Kontakoozhth Thaaki Akaththaar
Nilaikkelidhaam Neeradhu Aran
Impregnable, containing ample stores of food, A fort for those within, must be a warlike station good
எல்லாப் பொருளும் உடைத்தாய் இடத்துதவும்
நல்லாள் உடையது அரண்.
Ellaap Porulum Utaiththaai Itaththudhavum
Nallaal Utaiyadhu Aran
A fort, with all munitions amply stored, In time of need should good reserves afford
முற்றியும் முற்றா தெறிந்தும் அறைப்படுத்தும்
பற்றற் கரியது அரண்.
Mutriyum Mutraa Therindhum Araippatuththum
Patrar Kariyadhu Aran
A fort should be impregnable to foes who gird it round, Or aim there darts from far, or mine beneath the ground
முற்றாற்றி முற்றி யவரையும் பற்றாற்றிப்
பற்றியார் வெல்வது அரண்.
Mutraatri Mutri Yavaraiyum Patraatrip
Patriyaar Velvadhu Aran
Howe'er the circling foe may strive access to win, A fort should give the victory to those who guard within
முனைமுகத்து மாற்றலர் சாய வினைமுகத்து
வீறெய்தி மாண்ட தரண்.
Munaimukaththu Maatralar Saaya Vinaimukaththu
Veereydhi Maanta Tharan
At outset of the strife a fort should foes dismay; And greatness gain by deeds in every glorious day
எனைமாட்சித் தாகியக் கண்ணும் வினைமாட்சி
இல்லார்கண் இல்லது அரண்.
Enaimaatchith Thaakiyak Kannum Vinaimaatchi
Illaarkan Illadhu Aran
Howe'er majestic castled walls may rise, To craven souls no fortress strength supplies
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