குடிமக்கள் அஞ்சும்படியாகச் செயல் செய்யும் கொடிய ஆட்சி விரைந்து அழிவது உறுதி.

குடிமக்கள் அஞ்சும்படியாகக் கொடுங்கோல் நடத்தும் அரசு நிச்சயமாக விரைவில் அழியும்

குடிகள் அஞ்சும் படியான கொடுமைகளைச் செய்து ஆளும் கொடுங்கோல் அரசனானால், அவன் திண்ணமாக விரைவில் கெடுவான்.

The cruel-sceptred king, who acts so as to put his subjects in fear, will certainly and quickly come to ruin

Kural 563 speaks about the flaws of autocratic leadership and the consequences of ruling by instilling fear in the hearts of the subjects. It says that a ruler who governs with a cruel hand, causing his people to live in fear, is sure to face a speedy downfall. The verse emphasizes the importance of benevolent leadership. A ruler's power and authority should not be used to intimidate or oppress the subjects, but rather to protect and guide them. Fear-based governance not only alienates the ruler from his subjects but also creates a fragile and unstable state that is destined for ruin. The core message of the verse is the ethical conduct of power - it serves as a cautionary tale for leaders to exercise their power with kindness, respect, and understanding, rather than employing it as a tool for terror and oppression. The verse aligns with the universal principle that those who misuse power or rule with cruelty are bound to face a swift and inevitable downfall.