The Land

Where spreads fertility unfailing, where resides a band,
Of virtuous men, and those of ample wealth, call that a 'land'

Explanation
A kingdom is that in which (those who carry on) a complete cultivation, virtuous persons, and.

Tamil Transliteration
Thallaa Vilaiyulum Thakkaarum Thaazhvilaach
Chelvarum Servadhu Naatu.

That is a 'land' which men desire for wealth's abundant share,
Yielding rich increase, where calamities are rare

Explanation
A kingdom is that which is desire for its immense wealth, and which grows greatly in prosperity, being free from destructive causes.

Tamil Transliteration
Perumporulaal Pettakka Thaaki Arungettaal
Aatra Vilaivadhu Naatu.

When burthens press, it bears; Yet, With unfailing hand
To king due tribute pays: that is the 'land'

Explanation
A kingdom is that which can bear any burden that may be pressed on it (from adjoining kingdoms) and (yet) pay the full tribute to its sovereign.

Tamil Transliteration
Poraiyorungu Melvarungaal Thaangi Iraivarku
Iraiyorungu Nervadhu Naatu.

That is a 'land' whose peaceful annals know,
Nor famine fierce, nor wasting plague, nor ravage of the foe

Explanation
A kingdom is that which continues to be free from excessive starvation, irremediable epidemics, and destructive foes.

Tamil Transliteration
Urupasiyum Ovaap Piniyum Serupakaiyum
Seraa Thiyalvadhu Naatu.

From factions free, and desolating civil strife, and band
Of lurking murderers that king afflict, that is the 'land'

Explanation
A kingdom is that which is without various (irregular) associations, destructive internal enemies, and murderous savages who (sometimes) harass the sovereign.

Tamil Transliteration
Palkuzhuvum Paazhseyyum Utpakaiyum Vendhalaikkum
Kolkurumpum Illadhu Naatu.

Chief of all lands is that, where nought disturbs its peace;
Or, if invaders come, still yields its rich increase

Explanation
The learned say that the best kingdom is that which knows no evil (from its foes), and, if injured (at all), suffers no diminution in its fruitfulness.

Tamil Transliteration
Ketariyaak Ketta Itaththum Valangundraa
Naatenpa Naattin Thalai.

Waters from rains and springs, a mountain near, and waters thence;
These make a land, with fortress' sure defence

Explanation
The constituents of a kingdom are the two waters (from above and below), well situated hills and an undestructible fort.

Tamil Transliteration
Irupunalum Vaaindha Malaiyum Varupunalum
Vallaranum Naattirku Uruppu.

A country's jewels are these five: unfailing health,
Fertility, and joy, a sure defence, and wealth

Explanation
Freedom from epidemics, wealth, produce, happiness and protection (to subjects); these five, the learned, say, are the ornaments of a kingdom.

Tamil Transliteration
Piniyinmai Selvam Vilaivinpam Emam
Aniyenpa Naattiv Vaindhu.

That is a land that yields increase unsought,
That is no land whose gifts with toil are bought

Explanation
The learned say that those are kingdom whose wealth is not laboured for, and those not, whose wealth is only obtained through labour.

Tamil Transliteration
Naatenpa Naataa Valaththana Naatalla
Naata Valandharu Naatu.

Though blest with all these varied gifts' increase,
A land gains nought that is not with its king at peace

Explanation
Although in possession of all the above mentioned excellences, these are indeed of no use to a country, in the absence of harmony between the sovereign and the sujects.

Tamil Transliteration
Aangamai Veydhiyak Kannum Payamindre
Vendhamai Villaadha Naatu.