PrepMaticThirukkural · பொருட்பால் · படையியல்
படை மாட்சி: The Excellence of an Army
About this chapter
படை மாட்சி, the excellence of an army, describes what makes a fighting force dependable. Its answer is less about numbers or weapons than about morale, loyalty, unity and leadership.
Kural 761 calls an army that is complete in its parts and fears no wound the chief wealth of a king. Kural 762 says that only a long-established army shows the valour to stand fearless in the hour of defeat. Kural 763 uses a vivid image, in which hostile rats may roar like the sea but perish at the breath of a cobra. Kurals 764 and 765 say that a true army is one that has stood firm without desertion for generations, and that stays united even if death itself advances on it. Kural 766 names the four safeguards of an army: valour (மறம்), honour (மானம்), keeping to the good path of its predecessors, and trustworthiness. Kurals 767 and 768 add that a good army knows how to meet an onslaught, and that even without fighting strength a well-turned-out army may win renown. Kural 769 lists what it must be free from: weakness, constant discontent and poverty. Kural 770 closes with a warning that many soldiers are no army without leaders.
Kural 766 is the most useful, since it reduces the subject to four qualities that apply to any disciplined team. Kural 770 gives the lesson on leadership.
For the syllabus, it fits governance, defence and leadership.
The 10 kurals of படை மாட்சி
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.
உறுப்பமைந்து ஊறஞ்சா வெல்படை வேந்தன்
வெறுக்கையுள் எல்லாம் தலை.
Uruppamaindhu Ooranjaa Velpatai Vendhan
Verukkaiyul Ellaam Thalai
A conquering host, complete in all its limbs, that fears no wound, Mid treasures of the king is chiefest found
உலைவிடத்து ஊறஞ்சா வன்கண் தொலைவிடத்துத்
தொல்படைக் கல்லால் அரிது.
Ulaivitaththu Ooranjaa Vankan Tholaivitaththuth
Tholpataik Kallaal Aridhu
In adverse hour, to face undaunted might of conquering foe, Is bravery that only veteran host can show
ஒலித்தக்கால் என்னாம் உவரி எலிப்பகை
நாகம் உயிர்ப்பக் கெடும்.
Oliththakkaal Ennaam Uvari Ela�ppakai
Naakam Uyirppak Ketum
Though, like the sea, the angry mice send forth their battle cry; What then? The dragon breathes upon them, and they die
அழிவின்றி அறைபோகா தாகி வழிவந்த
வன்க ணதுவே படை.
Azhivindri Araipokaa Thaaki Vazhivandha
Vanka Nadhuve Patai
That is a host, by no defeats, by no desertions shamed, For old hereditary courage famed
கூற்றுடன்று மேல்வரினும் கூடி எதிர்நிற்கும்
ஆற்ற லதுவே படை.
Kootrutandru Melvarinum Kooti Edhirnirkum
Aatra Ladhuve Patai
That is a 'host' that joins its ranks, and mightily withstands, Though death with sudden wrath should fall upon its bands
மறமானம் மாண்ட வழிச்செலவு தேற்றம்
எனநான்கே ஏமம் படைக்கு.
Maramaanam Maanta Vazhichchelavu Thetram
Enanaanke Emam Pataikku
Valour with honour, sure advance in glory's path, with confidence; To warlike host these four are sure defence
தார்தாங்கிச் செல்வது தானை தலைவந்த
போர்தாங்கும் தன்மை அறிந்து.
Thaardhaangich Chelvadhu Thaanai Thalaivandha
Pordhaangum Thanmai Arindhu
A valiant army bears the onslaught, onward goes, Well taught with marshalled ranks to meet their coming foes
அடல்தகையும் ஆற்றலும் இல்லெனினும் தானை
படைத்தகையால் பாடு பெறும்.
Ataldhakaiyum Aatralum Illeninum Thaanai
Pataiththakaiyaal Paatu Perum
Though not in war offensive or defensive skilled; An army gains applause when well equipped and drilled
சிறுமையும் செல்லாத் துனியும் வறுமையும்
இல்லாயின் வெல்லும் படை.
Sirumaiyum Sellaath Thuniyum Varumaiyum
Illaayin Vellum Patai
Where weakness, clinging fear and povertyAre not, the host will gain the victory
நிலைமக்கள் சால உடைத்தெனினும் தானை
தலைமக்கள் இல்வழி இல்.
Nilaimakkal Saala Utaiththeninum Thaanai
Thalaimakkal Ilvazhi Il
Though men abound, all ready for the war, No army is where no fit leaders are
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