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Chapter 104 of 133Wealth

உழவு

Farming

Read all ten original Tamil couplets from this chapter with clear, modern interpretations for everyday learning.

Kurals

10311040

Reading

10 couplets

Section

பொருட்பால்

A simple reading path

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Tamil + modern meaning

Kural 1031

1 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

சுழன்றும்ஏர்ப் பின்னது உலகம் அதனால்

உழந்தும் உழவே தலை.

Modern interpretation

Farming is demanding, yet it is among the most important kinds of work because every other occupation depends on food from the land. For example, every meal eaten by an office worker or student begins with a farmer's labor.

Read Kural 1031 in full

Kural 1032

2 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

உழுவார் உலகத்தார்க்கு ஆணிஅஃ தாற்றாது

எழுவாரை எல்லாம் பொறுத்து.

Modern interpretation

Farmers are a support for the whole world because they sustain people in every other line of work. For example, teachers, builders, and software workers can do their jobs only because someone grows their food.

Read Kural 1032 in full

Kural 1033

3 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

உழுதுண்டு வாழ்வாரே வாழ்வார்மற் றெல்லாம்

தொழுதுண்டு பின்செல் பவர்.

Modern interpretation

The verse praises those who live by farming as independent providers; others depend on what farmers produce. For example, a family that grows its own food contributes something essential instead of relying entirely on others for it.

Read Kural 1033 in full

Kural 1034

4 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

பலகுடை நீழலும் தங்குடைக்கீழ்க் காண்பர்

அலகுடை நீழ லவர்.

Modern interpretation

When farmers create plenty, they give strength and influence to the rulers and communities that depend on them. For example, a region with reliable harvests can support public services and remain strong in difficult times.

Read Kural 1034 in full

Kural 1035

5 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

இரவார் இரப்பார்க்கொன்று ஈவர் கரவாது

கைசெய்தூண் மாலை யவர்.

Modern interpretation

People who live by their own work do not need to beg, and they can still share something with those who ask for help. For example, a day laborer may offer part of a meal to someone hungry, even without having much.

Read Kural 1035 in full

Kural 1036

6 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

உழவினார் கைம்மடங்கின் இல்லை விழைவதூஉம்

விட்டேம்என் பார்க்கும் நிலை.

Modern interpretation

If farmers stop working, even people who have renounced ordinary possessions cannot survive. For example, a retreat or monastery still depends on farmers to provide the food its residents eat.

Read Kural 1036 in full

Kural 1037

7 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

தொடிப்புழுதி கஃசா உணக்கின் பிடித்தெருவும்

வேண்டாது சாலப் படும்.

Modern interpretation

Careful, repeated preparation of the soil can make a crop thrive with little extra fertilizer. For example, a gardener who loosens and dries the soil properly may need fewer added materials later.

Read Kural 1037 in full

Kural 1038

8 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

ஏரினும் நன்றால் எருவிடுதல் கட்டபின்

நீரினும் நன்றதன் காப்பு.

Modern interpretation

Preparing and enriching the soil matters more than simply ploughing; after weeds are removed, protecting the crop matters even more than watering it. For example, a gardener who guards young plants from pests may save a harvest that regular watering alone would lose.

Read Kural 1038 in full

Kural 1039

9 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

செல்லான் கிழவன் இருப்பின் நிலம்புலந்து

இல்லாளின் ஊடி விடும்.

Modern interpretation

Land needs its owner’s regular attention; when it is neglected, it stops rewarding the person who depends on it. For example, a garden left unchecked becomes dry and unproductive, just as a neglected responsibility slowly withdraws its benefits.

Read Kural 1039 in full

Kural 1040

10 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

இலமென்று அசைஇ இருப்பாரைக் காணின்

நிலமென்னும் நல்லாள் நகும்.

Modern interpretation

The earth exposes the emptiness of someone who claims to have no means while refusing to make any effort. For example, a person who lets a usable garden or skill lie idle cannot fairly blame the opportunity for every hardship.

Read Kural 1040 in full