Tirukkural Chapter 75 - Couplets 1,2,3 Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

திருக்குறள் -TIRUKKURAL
அதிகாரம் 75 - அரண்
CHAPTER 75 - ON FORTRESS
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75/01. ஆற்று பவர்க்கும் அரண்பொருள்; அஞ்சித்தன்
போற்று பவர்க்கும் பொருள்.

75/01. Aatrru bavarkkum arannporull; anjiththan
Potrru bavarkkum porull.

75/01. For a strong King, who goes out and fights, his fortress is important. Also when he stays inside to safeguard himself against enemies, his fortress is essential.
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Muralidhar: Fortress for a King is essential
In that it saves his life against enemies' attack.

Janak: In olden days, they built fortress
On hill tops and remote places
To protect the king against enemies
Who were fighting near his doorsteps.

Around the fortress deep moats,
High walls, sturdy tall gates,
Were preventing enemies
From entering the fortress.

They were necessary blocks,
In the conventional ground wars,
But after the advent of warplanes
Ground attack lost its importance.
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75/02. மணிநீரும் மண்ணும் மலையும் அணிநிழல்
காடும் உடையது அரண்.

75/02. Mannineerum mannum malaiyum anninizhal
Kaadum udaiyadhu arann

75/02. Cristal clear water, bear lands with no water and shadows
mountains, dense forests, they all also act as fortress.
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Muralidhar: Dense forests, high mountains, deep valleys, wide lakes
All are natural hurdles serve as blocks for the enemies.

Janak: True, to cross these natural barriers,
It'll take more time for the enemies,
And by then war preparations,
Can be got ready from the fortress.

So far as Bharat is concerned,
Southern side is surrounded
By three oceans Arabian Sea,
Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean.

On the northern side, there is
The biggest Mount Himalayas
Covering the entire areas
As its natural barriers.
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75/03. உயர்வகலம் திண்மை அருமைஇந் நான்கின்
அமைவரண் என்றுரைக்கும் நூல்.

75/03. Uyarvagalam thinnmai arumain naanghin
Amaivarann endruraikkum nool.

75/03. Height, wide, strength, inaccessible tall walls
These are all called fortress in ancient scriptures.
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Muralidhar: In conventional ground wars
A fortress is absolutely necessary.

Janak: Yes, a fortress with wide,
High, strong, tall walls on all sides
Was preventing all enemies
From entering inside the fortress.

To cross a wide moat
It was found difficult
For those enemies
Coming by walk or horses.

By then, from the walls top,
The King's armies drop
Their heavy weapons,
Over advancing enemies.
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