# XXXIX: The Qualifications of the Prince explained — The Kural

> Chapter companion for The Kural by Thiruvalluvar.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxxix-the-qualifications-of-the-prince
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se/chapters