# LXXV: Fortresses explained — The Kural

> Chapter companion for The Kural by Thiruvalluvar.

## What happens

This chapter discusses the strategic importance of fortresses for both the weak and the strong, outlining the ideal qualities of a fortress—height, thickness, strength, impregnability, spaciousness, and ample provisions—and emphasizing that even the strongest fortress is useless without vigorous defenders.

## Themes in this chapter

### Statecraft and Governance

Focuses on the strategic role of fortresses in defense and governance, highlighting principles of military science.

## Character check-ins

### Thiruvalluvar

Author of the Kural, providing aphorisms on fortresses.

### the Kural

The text itself, containing the verses on fortresses.

## Key lines

> Watercourses, deserts, mountains, and thick jungles, all these constitute various kinds of defensive barriers.

Natural features like rivers, deserts, mountains, and dense forests serve as different types of defensive fortifications.

_Lists natural defensive barriers used in fortress construction._

> That is the veritable fortress which cannot be reduced whether by a regular siege or by storm or even by mining.

A true fortress is one that cannot be captured by a prolonged siege, a direct assault, or even by tunneling under its walls.

_Emphasizes the ideal of an impregnable fortress._

> But however strong a fortress may be, it will avail nothing if the defenders show not vigour in action.

No matter how well-built a fortress is, it is useless if its defenders lack courage and energy.

_Highlights the importance of human effort over mere physical structures._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxv-fortresses
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se/chapters