The Country by Thiruvalluvar (2000)
The work presents an idealized vision of a prosperous and harmonious nation. It emphasizes the importance of agricultural abundance, safety from external threats, and internal unity. A great country is characterized by its ability to produce rich harvests without excessive labor, ensuring the well-being of its citizens. The text highlights the significance of wise and virtuous leadership, asserting that a ruler's qualities are crucial for the nation's success. The narrative describes a land free from famine, disease, and internal strife, where the populace pays taxes willingly despite challenges. It underscores the value of natural resources, including water and mountains, as essential for sustaining life and prosperity. The absence of conflict among different groups within the nation is portrayed as vital for stability and growth. The work also suggests that a nation’s greatness is not solely defined by material wealth but by the overall happiness and health of its people. The ideal country is depicted as a jewel among nations, resilient in the face of adversity and capable of maintaining its bounty even when faced with hardships. Ultimately, the text conveys that true greatness lies in a combination of natural abundance, social harmony, and enlightened governance.
By Thiruvalluvar · First published 2000 · Genre: Philosophical, Political, Sociological · 286 words
First lines
That is the great country which never faileth in its yield of harvests, and which is the abode of sages and of rich men that are worthy.
That is the great country which attracteth men to itself by the greatness of its wealth and which yieldeth abundantly for that it is free from pests.
Behold the great nation: even if burdens upon burdens press down upon it, it will support them bravely and pay its taxes in full withal.
That is the great country which is free from famines and plagues, and which is safe from the invasions of enemies.
What this Textopian page supports
The Country is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thiruvalluvar, dated 2000 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Thiruvalluvar
- Date: 2000 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical, Political, Sociological, Literary, Historical
- Length: 286 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Country by Thiruvalluvar
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Country?
- How does this essay by Thiruvalluvar fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Philosophical first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Tapas by Thiruvalluvar
- The Wound That Beauty Inflicteth by Thiruvalluvar
- Abstaining From Deeds That Cause Trepidation by Thiruvalluvar
- The Ambassador by Thiruvalluvar
- Realisation Of The Truth by Thiruvalluvar
- Fortresses by Thiruvalluvar
Genres
- Philosophical — The text explores the nature of a great country, emphasizing moral and ethical considerations regarding governance and societal well-being.
- Political — It discusses the qualities of a nation, including governance, wealth, and social harmony, making it relevant to political discourse.
- Sociological — The work examines societal structures, the importance of unity, and the impact of leadership on a nation's prosperity.
- Literary — The writing style employs poetic elements and metaphors, characteristic of literary works, enhancing its thematic depth.
Tags
Philosophical · Poetic · Tamil Literature · Ancient Indian Text · Ethics · Morality · Spirituality · Nature · Human Condition · Existentialism · Social Commentary · Cultural Heritage