Section VII: Qualities of a Country
Chapter 74: The Country
Kural 731
Where unfailingly fertile fields, worthy men
and wealthy merchants come together--that is a country!
Kural 732
A land coveted for its vast wealth, free from calamities
and yielding in abundance is indeed a country.
Kural 733
Call that a nation which bears every burden that befalls it,
yet pays in full all tariffs owed to the king.
Kural 734
Free of famine, endless epidemics and ravaging foes--
now that is a flourishing country.
Kural 735
Proliferating factions, ruinous subversives and murderous gangs
harassing the king--a real country is free from all these.
Kural 736
An incomparable state is one never devastated;
yet if devastated, it would not diminish, but prosper.
Kural 737
Rain waters, underground waters and rivers shed from well-situated
mountains, plus strong fortresses, are features of a fine country.
Kural 738
Five ornaments adorn a country: good health, abundant harvests,
wealth, happiness and safety from invasions.
Kural 739
A land where prosperity comes easily deserves the name country,
not one where wealth entails laborious toil.
Kural 740
Even if a country acquires all these blessings, it is worth nothing
if it lacks harmony between the ruler and the ruled.