The Kural · Chapter
LXIV: The Councillor of State explained
This chapter outlines the essential qualities and duties of a capable councillor or minister of state, emphasizing wisdom, study, resolve, loyalty, and the ability to manage alliances and enmities for the welfare of the prince and the peopl
What happens
This chapter outlines the essential qualities and duties of a capable councillor or minister of state, emphasizing wisdom, study, resolve, loyalty, and the ability to manage alliances and enmities for the welfare of the prince and the people.
Themes in this chapter
Statecraft and Governance
The chapter focuses entirely on the qualifications and duties of a councillor, a key element of statecraft.
Social Harmony and Ethics
Emphasizes the councillor's duty to act justly and for the welfare of the people, maintaining social order.
Characters to notice
- Thiruvalluvar
Author of the Kural, presenting the ideal qualities of a state councillor.
- the Kural
The text itself, from which the verses on statecraft are drawn.
- Kauṭilya
Referenced implicitly as a parallel authority on statecraft and ministerial duties.
Key passages
“Behold the man who judgeth aright the ways and means of achieving great enterprises and the proper season to commence them: he is the proper man for the Council.”
A person who correctly assesses the methods and timing for major undertakings is fit to be a councillor.
Highlights the importance of strategic judgment and timing in governance.
“Study, resolution, manly exertion, and loving attention to the welfare of the people, these four make along with the last the five qualifications of the Councillor.”
Learning, determination, diligent effort, and care for the people's well-being are four of the five essential qualities of a minister.
Lists the core virtues required for effective state service.
“He is the able minister who possesseth the capacity to disunite allies, to cherish and keep up existing friendships, and to reunite those who have become enemies.”
A skilled minister can break alliances, maintain friendships, and reconcile former foes.
Describes the diplomatic and strategic skills needed in statecraft.
“Behold the man who knoweth the law and aboundeth in instruction, is deliberate in his speech and always understandeth what is fit for each occasion: he is the Councillor for thee.”
One who knows the law, is learned, speaks carefully, and knows what is appropriate for every situation is the ideal councillor.
Emphasizes legal knowledge, wisdom, and situational awareness.
“What is there that is too subtle for men who add knowledge of books unto natural intelligence?”
Nothing is too complex for those who combine book learning with innate intelligence.
Values both education and natural acumen.
“Even though thou art wise in thy knowledge of books, gather thou the wisdom of experience and act in accordance therewith.”
Even if you are learned from books, also seek practical experience and act on it.
Advises blending theoretical knowledge with practical wisdom.