# the Kural — The Kural character guide > the Kural in The Kural by Thiruvalluvar. **Role:** major **Also known as:** its **First appearance:** 0002-the-kural ## Snapshot The 1,330-couplet text itself, a book that behaves like a person, demanding obedience and promising blessing or curse in the next birth. ## Who they are The Kural is not merely a collection of verses but a moral agent with a stake in being followed, since its author has no power to compel and must rely on the sanction of consequence. It moves from Righteousness through Politics to Love, treating the third great objective of life as the romance of one couple from first meeting to reunion. Its verses are so compressed that nine commentators labored before Parimêlajahar could draw out their full sense, and even now each couplet opens onto a hundred moods of the human heart. ## Relationships ### [Thiruvalluvar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/characters/thiruvalluvar) _psychological_ The Kural is the textual embodiment of Thiruvalluvar's philosophy, representing an almost symbiotic relationship between author and work. ### [Jesus Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/characters/jesus_christ) _social_ Jesus Christ and the Kural are juxtaposed as sources of moral teaching, often referenced together in comparative religious discussions. ### [Dr. Pope](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/characters/dr_pope) _professional_ Dr. Pope is the primary translator and interpreter of the Kural, treating it as the central object of his life's work. ### [M. Ariel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/characters/m_ariel) _professional_ M. Ariel studies and explicates the Kural, engaging with it as a scholarly text. ## In the story ### [The Kural](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/the-kural) The text itself, structured into three parts on Righteousness, Politics, and Love. ### [Part I—Righteousness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/part-i-righteousness) The work itself, referenced as the source of verses and teachings on virtue and destiny. ### [Part II—Wealth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/part-ii-wealth) The text itself; its second part is described as twice the size of the first and thrice that of the third. ### [Part III—Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/part-iii-love) The text being discussed, praised for its deep analysis of love and its universal moral thread. ### [The Verse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/the-verse) The work itself is described as a perfect masterpiece, a tiny instrument containing profound thoughts. ### [Parimêlajahar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/parim-lajahar) The ancient Tamil moral text, preserved and interpreted by Parimêlajahar, and a source of inspiration for just rule. ### [The Kural](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/the-kural) The central text being discussed, comprising 1330 couplets. ### [I: In Praise of the Lord](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/i-in-praise-of-the-lord) The text itself, containing the verses of praise. ### [III: The Greatness of Those Who Have Renounced the World](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/iii-the-greatness-of-those-who-have-renounced-the-world) The text itself, which is the source of the teachings on ascetic greatness. ### [IV: The Glorification of Righteousness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/iv-the-glorification-of-righteousness) The text of the Kural itself is the subject, delivering teachings on righteousness. ### [Section I: The Life of the Householder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/section-i-the-life-of-the-householder) The text itself, containing the verses on householder duties. ### [Family Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/v-family-life) The text itself, which is the source of the teachings on family life. ### [VII: Offspring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/vii-offspring) The text itself, which is the source of the verses on offspring. ### [Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/viii-love) The chapter is a direct excerpt from the Kural, presenting its teachings on love. ### [IX: Hospitality](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/ix-hospitality) The text containing the teachings on hospitality. ### [X: Kindness of Speech](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/x-kindness-of-speech) The text itself, embodying the teachings on speech. ### [XII: Uprightness of Heart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xii-uprightness-of-heart) The Kural is the source of the aphorisms on uprightness of heart, presenting moral teachings. ### [XIV: Purity of Conduct](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xiv-purity-of-conduct) The chapter is drawn from the Kural's teachings on the value of purity of conduct. ### [XV: Non-Desiring of Another Man’s Wife](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xv-non-desiring-of-another-man-s-wife) The text itself, containing the moral teachings of this chapter. ### [XVII: Non-Envying](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xvii-non-envying) The Kural is the source of the teachings on non-envying. ### [XVIII: Non-Coveting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xviii-non-coveting) The Kural is the source of the teachings on non-coveting. ### [XIX: Refraining from Slander](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xix-refraining-from-slander) The chapter is a direct excerpt from the Kural, teaching the importance of avoiding slander. ### [XX: Refraining from Vain Speaking](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xx-refraining-from-vain-speaking) The text of the Kural itself is the source of the teachings on vain speaking. ### [XXI: Fear of Evildoing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxi-fear-of-evildoing) The text itself, containing the aphorisms on evildoing and its consequences. ### [XXII: Complaisance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxii-complaisance) The chapter is a direct excerpt from the Kural, teaching the virtue of complaisance. ### [Charity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxiii-charity) The text of the Kural itself is the source of the aphorisms on charity. ### [Glory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxiv-glory) The text itself is the source of the teachings on glory. ### [Section II: The Life of the Ascetic](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/section-ii-the-life-of-the-ascetic) The text itself, which provides the foundational verses on ascetic life and spiritual discipline. ### [Mercy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxv-mercy) The chapter is a direct excerpt from the Kural, emphasizing mercy as the chiefest wealth. ### [XXVI: Abjuring of Flesh-Meat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxvi-abjuring-of-flesh-meat) The text containing the moral teachings on non-killing and vegetarianism. ### [XXVII: Tapas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxvii-tapas) The text itself, which is the source of the teachings on tapas. ### [XXVIII: Imposture](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxviii-imposture) The text itself, which provides the moral teachings against hypocrisy. ### [XXIX: Abstaining from Fraud](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxix-abstaining-from-fraud) The Kural is the source of the teachings in this chapter, personified as the voice of wisdom. ### [XXX: Truthfulness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxx-truthfulness) The text itself, which is the source of the verses on truthfulness. ### [XXXI: Abstaining from Anger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxxi-abstaining-from-anger) The text itself, containing the verses on anger and forbearance. ### [XXXII: Non-Injuring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxxii-non-injuring) The text itself, containing the verses on non-injury. ### [Non-Killing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxxiii-non-killing) The text containing the teachings on non-killing ### [Subdivision B: Wisdom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/subdivision-b-wisdom) The text itself, embodying wisdom and providing the framework for the chapter. ### [XXXIV: The Vanity of All Things](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxxiv-the-vanity-of-all-things) The chapter presents verses from the Kural on the vanity of worldly life. ### [XXXV: Renunciation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxxv-renunciation) The text itself, containing the verses on renunciation. ### [Realisation of the Truth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxxvi-realisation-of-the-truth) The text itself, which conveys the teachings on discerning reality from illusion. ### [XXXVII: The Killing of Desire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-killing-of-desire) The text itself, which articulates the doctrine of desirelessness and its spiritual rewards. ### [XXXVIII: Destiny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxxviii-destiny) The Kural is the source of the aphorisms on destiny, presenting the philosophical teachings of the chapter. ### [Part II: Wealth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/part-ii-wealth) The text itself, as the source of the teachings on wealth. ### [Section I: The Prince](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/section-i-the-prince) The text providing the foundational principles for kingly duties. ### [XXXIX: The Qualifications of the Prince](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xxxix-the-qualifications-of-the-prince) The text itself, from which the chapter's verses are drawn. ### [Learning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xl-learning) The text itself, containing the teachings on learning. ### [XLI: The Neglecting of Instruction](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xli-the-neglecting-of-instruction) The text itself is the source of the aphorisms on neglecting instruction. ### [XLII: Listening to the Instruction of the Wise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xlii-listening-to-the-instruction-of-the-wise) The text of the Kural itself is the source of the teachings on listening to the wise. ### [XLIII: The Understanding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xliii-the-understanding) The text itself, which contains these teachings on the power of understanding. ### [XLIV: Eschewing of Faults](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xliv-eschewing-of-faults) The text itself, containing the verses on fault avoidance. ### [XLV: Courting the Friendship of the Worthy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xlv-courting-the-friendship-of-the-worthy) The text itself, providing the teachings on friendship. ### [XLVI: Keeping Aloof from Vulgar Company](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xlvi-keeping-aloof-from-vulgar-company) The text itself, which is the source of the verses on keeping aloof from vulgar company. ### [XLVII: Deliberation Before Action](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xlvii-deliberation-before-action) The text containing the teachings on deliberation. ### [XLVIII: Judging of Strength](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xlviii-judging-of-strength) The text itself, containing the teachings on strength and prudence. ### [Judging of Place](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/l-judging-of-place) The text itself, containing the maxims on judging place in warfare. ### [LI: Testing of Men for Confidence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/li-testing-of-men-for-confidence) The text itself, containing the aphorisms on trust and character assessment. ### [LII: Testing and Employment of Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lii-testing-and-employment-of-men) The text containing the maxims on statecraft and employment. ### [LIII: Cherishing of Kindred](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/liii-cherishing-of-kindred) The text itself, containing the verses on cherishing kindred. ### [LIV: Guarding Against Insouciance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/liv-guarding-against-insouciance) The text itself, conveying the teachings on guarding against insouciance. ### [LV: Just Government](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lv-just-government) The text itself, from which the verses on just government are drawn. ### [LVI: Tyranny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lvi-tyranny) The text of the Kural itself, delivering teachings on tyranny and just rule. ### [LVII: Abstaining from Deeds That Cause Trepidation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lvii-abstaining-from-deeds-that-cause-trepidation) The text itself, containing the verses on abstaining from deeds that cause trepidation. ### [LVIII: Considerateness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lviii-considerateness) The chapter is a direct excerpt from the Kural, teaching the value of considerateness. ### [LIX: The Service of Intelligence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lix-the-service-of-intelligence) The text itself, offering aphorisms on governance and espionage. ### [LXI: Abstention from Sloth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxi-abstention-from-sloth) The text itself, which is the source of the teachings on sloth. ### [LXII: Manly Exertion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxii-manly-exertion) The Kural is referenced as the source of the teachings on manly exertion and the value of industry. ### [LXIII: Intrepidity in the Face of Misfortune](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxiii-intrepidity-in-the-face-of-misfortune) The chapter presents the Kural's teachings on intrepidity and resilience in adversity. ### [Section II: The Members of the Body Politic](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/section-ii-the-members-of-the-body-politic) The text itself, which outlines the duties and virtues of the body politic. ### [LXIV: The Councillor of State](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxiv-the-councillor-of-state) The text itself, from which the verses on statecraft are drawn. ### [LXV: Eloquence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxv-eloquence) The text itself, which contains these teachings on the power and discipline of speech. ### [LXVI: Purity of Action](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxvi-purity-of-action) The text itself, containing the teachings on righteous conduct. ### [LXVII: Decision of Character](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxvii-decision-of-character) The text itself, containing the teachings on resolve and perseverance. ### [LXIX: The Ambassador](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxix-the-ambassador) The text itself, containing the teachings on the ambassador's role. ### [LXX: Comporting Oneself Before Princes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxx-comporting-oneself-before-princes) The text itself, from which the chapter's maxims are drawn. ### [LXXI: Judging by Looks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxi-judging-by-looks) The text being expounded in this chapter. ### [LXXIII: Self-Confidence Before an Audience](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxiii-self-confidence-before-an-audience) The chapter is part of the Kural's teachings on the virtue of confident discourse. ### [LXXIV: The Country](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxiv-the-country) The text is drawn from the Kural, presenting its teachings on the ideal country. ### [LXXV: Fortresses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxv-fortresses) The text itself, containing the verses on fortresses. ### [LXXVI: The Acquisition of Wealth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxvi-the-acquisition-of-wealth) The chapter is a direct excerpt from the Kural, presenting its teachings on wealth. ### [LXXVII: The Characteristics of the Army](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxvii-the-characteristics-of-the-army) The text itself, which is the source of the chapter's teachings on military characteristics. ### [LXXVIII: The Self-Abandon of the Warrior](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxviii-the-self-abandon-of-the-warrior) The text itself, containing the verses on warrior conduct. ### [LXXIX: Friendship](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxix-friendship) The text itself, which contains the teachings on friendship being quoted and explained. ### [LXXX: Testing of Fitness for Friendship](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxx-testing-of-fitness-for-friendship) The text containing the aphorisms on friendship. ### [LXXXI: Intimacy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxxi-intimacy) The chapter's verses articulate the nature of intimacy in friendship. ### [LXXXIII: False Friendship](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxxiii-false-friendship) The text of the Kural itself delivers the teachings on false friendship. ### [LXXXIV: Folly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxxiv-folly) The text of the Kural itself delivers the teachings on folly. ### [LXXXV: Conceited Folly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxxv-conceited-folly) The chapter's verses are attributed to the Kural, offering moral teachings on folly and conceit. ### [LXXXVI: The Defiant Spirit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxxvi-the-defiant-spirit) The text itself, embodying the wisdom against the defiant spirit. ### [LXXXVII: The Characteristics of Enemies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxxvii-the-characteristics-of-enemies) The text that contains these teachings on statecraft and enmity. ### [LXXXVIII: The Appraising of Enemies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxxviii-the-appraising-of-enemies) The text containing the maxims on appraising enemies. ### [LXXXIX: The Traitor in the Camp](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxxix-the-traitor-in-the-camp) The text itself, which contains these teachings on treachery. ### [XC: Refraining from Offending the Great Ones](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xc-refraining-from-offending-the-great-ones) The text itself, containing the verses on refraining from offending the Great Ones. ### [XCIII: Abstaining from Drink](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xciii-abstaining-from-drink) The chapter is a set of verses from the Kural, teaching the evils of drink. ### [Section III: Miscellaneous](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/section-iii-miscellaneous) The text being discussed and paraphrased in this section. ### [XCVII: Honour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xcvii-honour) The text itself, containing the verses on honour. ### [XCIX: Worth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xcix-worth) The chapter is a direct excerpt from the Kural, expounding on the nature of worth. ### [C: Courteousness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/c-courteousness) The chapter's teachings are attributed to the Kural, emphasizing courteousness as a core virtue. ### [CI: The Wealth That Is Not Put to Good Use](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/ci-the-wealth-that-is-not-put-to-good-use) The text of the Kural itself is the subject, delivering moral teachings on the proper use of wealth. ### [CII: Sensitiveness to Shame](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/cii-sensitiveness-to-shame) The text itself is the source of the teachings on shame. ### [CIII: Advancing the Family](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/ciii-advancing-the-family) The text itself, containing the teachings on family duty and exertion. ### [CIV: Husbandry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/civ-husbandry) The text itself, containing the verses that praise husbandry and describe the virtues of the farmer. ### [CV: Indigence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/cv-indigence) The text of the Kural itself is the source of the verses on indigence. ### [CVII: The Dread of Beggary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/cvii-the-dread-of-beggary) The text itself, which is the source of the verses on beggary. ### [CVIII: The Degraded Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/cviii-the-degraded-life) The text of the Kural itself is the source of the aphorisms describing the degraded life. ### [Part III: Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/part-iii-love) The text itself, containing the teachings on love examined in this chapter. ### [Section I: The Secret Marriage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/section-i-the-secret-marriage) The text providing the thematic foundation for secret marriage and its emotional dynamics. ### [CX: Reading of the Heart by Signs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/cx-reading-of-the-heart-by-signs) The text containing these verses on reading the heart by signs. ### [CXI: In Praise of the Union](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/cxi-in-praise-of-the-union) The text containing these verses on love and union. ### [CXII: In Praise of Her Beauty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/cxii-in-praise-of-her-beauty) The text containing this poetic chapter on beauty. ### [CXIV: Overpassing the Bounds of Decorum](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/cxiv-overpassing-the-bounds-of-decorum) The text itself, as the source of these verses on love and decorum. ### [Section II: Chastity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/section-ii-chastity) The text itself, embodying the principles of chastity. ### [CXVI: The Pangs of Separation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/cxvi-the-pangs-of-separation) The text containing the verses that articulate the wife's sorrow. ### [CXX: Anguish of Heart That the Husband Feeleth Not as Oneself](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/cxx-anguish-of-heart-that-the-husband-feeleth-not-as-oneself) The text of the Kural itself is referenced as the source of these verses on love and longing. ### [CXXII: In Praise of the Dream-State](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/cxxii-in-praise-of-the-dream-state) The text from which this chapter is drawn, reflecting themes of love and separation. ### [CXXIX: The Impatience of the Pair to Fly to Each Other’s Arms](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/cxxix-the-impatience-of-the-pair-to-fly-to-each-other-s-arms) The text itself is the source of the verses describing the lovers' impatience. ### [CXXXI: Bouderie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/cxxxi-bouderie) The text of the Kural is the source of the verses and dialogues presented in this chapter. ### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/endnotes) The text being annotated throughout the endnotes. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/characters/the_kural - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_kural_se/characters