அரசர் (KING)

Monarchy was the prevailing form of government during Thiruvalluvar's time. The King was regarded as the incarnation of god. Kingship was inherited by the son from his father.

What are the essential qualities of a good king? Valluavar mentions four qualities: fearlessness, generosity, intelligence and motivation. Even a good - natured monarch achieves nothing without courage. Hunger is the most unbearable misery. The king should protect his citizens from poverty and hunger. Poverty is the root cause of all crimes. Eradication of poverty ensures a nation's welfare. A ruler should be knowledgeable. Only then can he distinguish between good and evil. He needs to involve himself in action with a spirit of enthusiasm. This quality is greater than any other wealth. Without mental drive, a king cannot achieve what he wants to.

The king has certain basic duties. As the king takes care of his people he is comparable to God. He has four duties. They are: creating sources of revenue; earning revenue; taking care of the earnings and planning the expenses. The king should think carefully, analyze perceptively and then act. There are three ways in which he can earn revenue: inherit through ancestry. This is உறுபொருள். He can earn through trade and commerce. This is உல்குபொருள். Thirdly தெறுபொருள் is earned from the taxes paid by defeated kings.

The king should also take good care of his earnings, even as the bees guard their honey. The money should be distributed to the right people at the right time. It is the king's duty to distribute the wealth so that his people prosper.

A king may possess all the good qualities; he may be aware of his duties. Still, his greatest skill lies in implementation. He should reveal his skills in awarding generously, showing sympathy, ruling righteously and protecting the people. How is கொடை different from ஈகை? கொடை is helping the wise and the noble according to their abilities. A good king befriends the great. To perpetuate his rule, a king should show himself to be harsh externally but be gentle and kind in his heart. A righteous king is a beaconlight among rulers. He should be impartial in doling out justice. He should take care of his people. A country whose citizens are healthy, wealthy, capable, happy and secure, can be said to be truly great.

How should a king behave? He should get to know the real feelings of his people by meeting them in disguise. Like மனுநீதிச்சோழன் he should render justice even at the cost of his own. Simple and accessible, he should speak only sweet words. He should win the love of his people.

The king who has all the qualities mentioned above, will be adored by one and all. The whole world will look up to his country.