திருக்குறளும் நாலடியாரும் சுட்டும் நல்லாட்சிக் கோட்பாடுகள்: அறவியல் நோக்கில் ஒரு ஆய்வு

Principles of Good Governance Pointed Out by Thirukkural and Naladiyar: A Study from an Ethical Perspective

Abstract

Good governance is a universal concept applicable to all times and all nations. Ancient Tamil literary works, Thirukkural and Naladiyar, detail the fundamental elements of good governance from an ethical standpoint. The primary objective of this study is to analyze the principles of good governance presented by these two texts, identify their similarities and differences, and examine their relevance to contemporary systems of governance. Based on a qualitative research methodology, this study uses the Porutpal (Book of Wealth/Politics) of Thirukkural and the political-related chapters of Naladiyar as its primary sources.

• Thirukkural emphasizes the qualities of a ruler, impartiality, citizen welfare, and the key elements of governance: army, citizens, ministry, friendship, and fort/defense.
• Naladiyar focuses on the qualifications of a leader, the impermanence of political power, the qualities of noble lineage, and the ethics of charity.

Although both texts align in prioritizing public welfare on an ethical foundation, they differ in their structure, authorial perspective, and mode of explanation. Specifically, while Naladiyar explains ethics with Jain religious influences, Thirukkural, as a universal creed (Ulagappodhumarai), presents universal ethics for all humanity. The principles of good governance stated in these works show strong alignment with modern democracy, management, and leadership theories. Ultimately, this study affirms that the ethical values stressed by Thirukkural and Naladiyar are timeless truths that transcend eras and continue to guide future modes of governance.