அரசாண்மை (KINGSHIP)

This lesson answers two questions:

1. What according to திருவள்ளுவர் helps a king to rule the country effectively?
2. How can a king organize these factors in the best possible manner?
   

திருவள்ளுவர்'s political views reflect the social outlook of the Tamils in the times when monarchy was the form of government. His ideas, however are relevant to democracy today as well.

A king has total responsibility for the success or failure of his government. He needs to possess a valiant army, good citizens, wealth, efficient ministers, friendship and a protective fortress. These would make him a lion among kings.

The yardstick of a country's power is its army's strength. What constitutes a good defence force? - Not numbers but the quality of the soldiers. Even at the cost of death a warrior should fight bravely for his country. The day when he is not wounded on the battlefield, is a day wasted in his life. An anecdote will illustrate the nature of true valor: a warrior is fighting with the elephant. He throws a spear at an elephant and it runs away in fear. But at the same time another elephant attacks him. He suddenly realizes that there is a spear thrown by an enemy, struck on his chest. He pulls it out and throws it at the second elephant! A true warrior never even bats an eyelid in fear.

The chapter entitled குடிமை and குடிசெயல்வகை describe a good citizen. He has the qualities of morality, truthfulness and shame to do wicked deeds. Each word of his would reflect the culture of his ancestry.

The third requirement for a good king is wealth. It determines the greatness of a country. Poverty leads to crimes. On the other hand a wealthy society promotes love, grace and charity. Money frees one from worries and gives him protection.

Next to wealth, the ministers play a significant role, in helping the king. They advise him properly and guide him in the right direction. What are the qualities of a good minister? He should be knowledgeable about the instruments, time, intricacies and methods of actions. He also needs mental courage, filial pride political know how perseverance and diplomacy. He should be able to present his views lucidly and interestingly.

The king should cultivate friendship with his own people as well as neighboring kings. Only situations bring out the nature of true friendship. A king needs to be friendly with patriotic people committed to the nation's welfare.

The fort is another necessity for the king. Enemies should not have easy access to the fort. It should be surrounded by moats, mountains or forests. The gateway should be narrow.

Valluvar's political thoughts are the outcome of a highly civilized Tamil social order.