Exploring the Thirukkural: A Guide to Ethics and Morality

1. What is the Thirukkural?

The Thirukkural is a classic Tamil text composed by the revered poet-saint Thiruvalluvar. It contains 1,330 couplets (kurals), divided into three major sections:

• Aram (Virtue): Focuses on ethics, morality, and righteous living.
• Porul (Wealth): Deals with governance, economics, and statecraft.
• Inbam (Love): Covers personal life, family relations, and emotional well-being.

Each kural is a concise two-line verse that conveys profound truths in simple Tamil, making the work universally admired across cultures, religions, and centuries.

2. Why is Thirukkural considered a universal text?

• It does not refer to any specific religion, god, or caste, making it accessible to all.
• It emphasizes universal human values such as honesty, justice, compassion, and duty.
• It has been quoted and respected by global leaders including Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and Leo Tolstoy.

3. What are some examples of Kurals and their meanings?

Kural 1:
“Agaram muthala ezhuthellam aathi
Bhagavan mudhatre ulagu.”
Meaning: “Just as the letter A is the first of all letters, God is the first cause of the world.”

Kural 391:
“Thupparkku thuppaya thuppaaki thuppar
Thupparkku thuppaya thu.”
Meaning: “Only the ruler who provides protection has the right to collect taxes.”
Kural 391 is often compared to modern taxation principles — suggesting that tax is a social contract based on responsible governance.

4. How is Thirukkural relevant for Civil Services aspirants?

• Encourages ethical governance, compassionate leadership, and integrity in administration.
• Promotes dharma-based statecraft, echoing the ideals of Chanakya’s Arthashastra and Gandhian ethics.
• Frequently cited in UPSC Ethics (GS Paper IV) and useful for essays and interviews.

5. Is Thirukkural part of the syllabus in any exams?

• Included in the Tamil Nadu State Board curriculum.
• Referenced in TNPSC and other state-level civil services exams.
• Highly recommended reading for UPSC GS Paper IV (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude).

6. Are translations available?

Yes, the Thirukkural has been translated into more than 80 languages, including:

• English translations by G.U. Pope, Rajaji, and others
• Versions in Hindi, Sanskrit, French, Japanese, and Arabic

Modern commentaries and annotated editions are available for readers seeking deeper understanding.

7. How can one start reading the Thirukkural?

• Choose a bilingual edition (Tamil-English or Tamil-Hindi) with detailed explanations.
• Read 5–10 couplets daily and reflect on their meaning and relevance.
• Connect its wisdom to modern life, administration, and ethics.

Recommended Editions:
• Thirukkural with Commentary by Rajaji (English)
• Thirukkural Urai by Mu. Varadarajan (Tamil)

8. What is its significance in Tamil culture?

• Regarded as the ‘Tamil Veda’ — a spiritual and ethical guide.
• Recited at the start of public events, government functions, and even weddings.
• The grand Thiruvalluvar Statue at Kanyakumari stands as a symbol of harmony and wisdom.

9. Is the Thirukkural religious or secular?

The Thirukkural is fundamentally a moral and philosophical text, not a religious scripture. Its teachings emphasize:

• Right conduct and justice
• Empathy, self-control, and non-violence
• Fairness and equality for all