PrepMaticThirukkural · பொருட்பால் · குடியியல்
குடிமை: Nobility
About this chapter
குடிமை, nobility, is about the character expected of a person from a good family (குடி). Read closely, the chapter measures nobility by conduct, not by wealth or status.
Kurals 951 and 952 name the marks: natural uprightness and shame at wrongdoing, and then the three of good conduct (ஒழுக்கம்), truthfulness and modesty. Kural 953 lists four signs of nobility: a cheerful face, generosity, pleasant words and not disparaging others. Kurals 954 and 955 say that the noble do not do anything unbecoming even for vast wealth and do not lose their character even when their means shrink. Kural 956 adds that those who want to keep their family's name will not do shameful things through deceit. Kural 957 compares the faults of the noble to the spots on the moon, which everyone notices. Kural 958 says that a lack of love in a person raises doubts about the family itself. Kural 959 says that speech shows birth as a sprout shows the soil, and Kural 960 closes by saying that anyone who wants a good name needs modesty and humility toward all.
Kural 952 and Kural 960 are the two to know. Compare the emphasis on conduct here with Kural 972 in chapter 98, which says that all are alike by birth and differ only by their deeds.
For the syllabus, it fits universal values and everyday life.
The 10 kurals of குடிமை
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.
இற்பிறந்தார் கண்அல்லது இல்லை இயல்பாகச்
செப்பமும் நாணும் ஒருங்கு.
Irpirandhaar Kanalladhu Illai Iyalpaakach
Cheppamum Naanum Orungu
Save in the scions of a noble house, you never findInstinctive sense of right and virtuous shame combined
ஒழுக்கமும் வாய்மையும் நாணும்இம் மூன்றும்
இழுக்கார் குடிப்பிறந் தார்.
Ozhukkamum Vaaimaiyum Naanum Im
Moondrum Izhukkaar Kutippiran Thaar
In these three things the men of noble birth fail not:In virtuous deed and truthful word, and chastened thought
நகைஈகை இன்சொல் இகழாமை நான்கும்
வகையென்ப வாய்மைக் குடிக்கு.
Nakaieekai Insol Ikazhaamai Naankum
Vakaiyenpa Vaaimaik Kutikku
The smile, the gift, the pleasant word, unfailing courtesyThese are the signs, they say, of true nobility
அடுக்கிய கோடி பெறினும் குடிப்பிறந்தார்
குன்றுவ செய்தல் இலர்.
Atukkiya Koti Perinum Kutippirandhaar
Kundruva Seydhal Ilar
Millions on millions piled would never winThe men of noble race to soul-degrading sin
வழங்குவ துள்வீழ்ந்தக் கண்ணும் பழங்குடி
பண்பில் தலைப்பிரிதல் இன்று.
Vazhanguva Thulveezhndhak Kannum Pazhanguti
Panpil Thalaippiridhal Indru
Though stores for charity should fail within, the ancient raceWill never lose its old ancestral grace
சலம்பற்றிச் சால்பில செய்யார்மா சற்ற
குலம்பற்றி வாழ்தும் என் பார்.
Salampatrich Chaalpila Seyyaarmaa Satra
Kulampatri Vaazhdhum En Paar
Whose minds are set to live as fits their sire's unspotted fame, Stooping to low deceit, commit no deeds that gender shame
குடிப்பிறந்தார் கண்விளங்கும் குற்றம் விசும்பின்
மதக்கண் மறுப்போல் உயர்ந்து.
Kutippirandhaar Kanvilangum Kutram Visumpin
Madhikkan Maruppol Uyarndhu
The faults of men of noble race are seen by every eye, As spots on her bright orb that walks sublime the evening sky
நலத்தின்கண் நாரின்மை தோன்றின் அவனைக்
குலத்தின்கண் ஐயப் படும்.
Nalaththinkan Naarinmai Thondrin Avanaik
Kulaththinkan Aiyap Patum
If lack of love appear in those who bear some goodly name,'Twill make men doubt the ancestry they claim
நிலத்தில் கிடந்தமை கால்காட்டும் காட்டும்
குலத்தில் பிறந்தார்வாய்ச் சொல்.
Nilaththil Kitandhamai Kaalkaattum Kaattum
Kulaththil Pirandhaarvaaich Chol
Of soil the plants that spring thereout will show the worth:The words they speak declare the men of noble birth
நலம்வேண்டின் நாணுடைமை வேண்டும் குலம்வேண்டின்
வேண்டுக யார்க்கும் பணிவு.
Nalamventin Naanutaimai Ventum Kulam
Ventin Ventuka Yaarkkum Panivu
Who seek for good the grace of virtuous shame must know; Who seek for noble name to all must reverence show
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