The Kural · Chapter
XXXIX: The Qualifications of the Prince explained
This chapter outlines the essential qualities and virtues required of a prince, including strength in military and resources, personal courage, liberality, wisdom, energy, alertness, learning, decision, virtue, justice, accessibility, graci
What happens
This chapter outlines the essential qualities and virtues required of a prince, including strength in military and resources, personal courage, liberality, wisdom, energy, alertness, learning, decision, virtue, justice, accessibility, graciousness, and the ability to bear harsh words. A prince embodying these traits is likened to a lion among princes and a god among men, ensuring the prosperity and esteem of his kingdom.
Themes in this chapter
Statecraft and Governance
The chapter is a direct treatise on the qualities and duties of a prince, covering military, economic, and administrative virtues.
Virtue and Righteousness
Emphasizes the prince's need to uphold virtue, abolish unrighteousness, and guard honour while adhering to the laws of valour.
Social Harmony and Ethics
Highlights the prince's accessibility, impartial justice, and loving rule as foundations for a harmonious and esteemed kingdom.
Characters to notice
- Thiruvalluvar
Author of the Kural, presenting the ideal qualities of a prince.
- the Kural
The text itself, from which the chapter's verses are drawn.
- Parimêlajahar
Commentator whose interpretations may inform the understanding of these verses.
- Dr. Pope
Translator of the Kural into English, providing the quoted translation.
- Kauṭilya
Ancient Indian statesman and philosopher, whose works on statecraft parallel the themes of this chapter.
Key passages
“He is a lion among princes who is well endowed in respect of the six things: troops, population, substance, council, alliances, and fortifications.”
A prince who possesses strong military forces, a thriving population, ample resources, wise advisors, strategic alliances, and secure fortifications is supreme among rulers.
Summarizes the foundational elements of a prince's power.
“Behold the prince who administereth impartial justice and protecteth his subjects: he shall be called a God among men.”
A prince who rules with fairness and safeguards his people is revered as divine.
Highlights the ideal of just and protective kingship.
“Behold the prince who is liberal and gracious and just, and who tendeth his people with care: he is a light among kings.”
A prince who is generous, kind, fair, and attentive to his subjects shines as a beacon among rulers.
Emphasizes the combination of liberality, grace, justice, and care as the hallmark of an exemplary king.