Knowing the Right Place
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ciṟainalaṉuñ cīru milareṉiṉu mānta / ruṟainilattō ṭoṭṭa laritu
Even if people lack the defensive strength and distinction of a fort, it is difficult to attack them on the land where they live.
▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
“Though fort be none, and store of wealth they lack, / 'Tis hard a people's homesteads to attack!”
“Even if they have no proper defences and other advantages it is hard to beat a people on their own soil.”
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
சிறை நலனும் சீரும் இலர் எனினும்= அரண் அழித்தற்கு, அருமையும் பெருமையுமாகிய ஆற்றலும் உடையர் அல்லராயினும்; மாந்தர் உறை நிலத்தோடு ஒட்டல் அரிது= வினைக்குரிய மாந்தரை அவர் உறைகின்ற நிலத்தின்கண் சென்று தாக்குதல் அரிது.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
The commentary identifies home ground itself as a powerful defense even without formal fortification or wealth. The verse is descriptive strategy, not authorization to invade, dispossess, collectively punish, or treat residents as obstacles; a modern ethical response centers sovereignty, consent, civilian immunity, Indigenous and local knowledge, and the right to remain or leave safely.