The document discusses realist thought in the ancient Tamil text Tirukkural. It makes three key points: 1. Tirukkural discusses concepts central to realism like the state, power, and wisdom in its couplets, capturing different strands of realist theory. 2. While it doesn't fully subscribe to realism or any IR theory, numerous couplets provide insights with a realist orientation on topics like the state, classical realism, defensive realism, offensive realism, and subaltern realism. 3. The couplets still provide guidance to modern rulers and citizens on creating an admirable future, emphasizing wisdom and prudent action over idealism or hostility.

1. By
Dr. S. Venkata Krishnan
REALIST THOUGHTS IN TIRUKKURAL
Thiruvalluvar Statue
Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India
Gandhinagar, Gujarat

2. 2
Dr. S. Venkata Krishnan, Pandit Deendayal
Petroleum University
Abstract
Realism is a view of international politics encompasses a variety of approaches and having a long theoretical tradition. These
approaches, irrespective of differences, keep state, power and wisdom (good judgment) as the core concepts of International Relations.
Thirukkural, one of the ancient texts of Tamil, has also discussed profoundly the three concepts i.e. state, power and wisdom in various
couplets. While discussing these concepts, it has also captured different strands of realism. However, the uniqueness of Tirukkural lies in its
advocacy of the importance of wisdom for the ruler and ruled. The concept of wisdom, particularly in porutpal, has been examined in a
subtle manner. Such couplets provide guidance to present day rulers and ruled about how to create an admirable future in the domestic and
international politics.
Tirukkural is a work neither subscribed
completely to the realist school nor to
any schools of International Relations.
Nevertheless, in numerous couplets,
there are valuable insights, which are
having realist orientation.

3. International Relations and Its Theories
• International Relations : Relations of states, and that those relations are
understood primarily in diplomatic, military and strategic terms
• Theories:
– Idealism
– Realism
– Liberal internationalism
– Constructivism...etc
• Realism :
– Radical realism
– Classical realism
– Structural realism or Neo-realism
– offensive realism and defensive realism
– Subaltern realism
3
Dr. S. Venkata Krishnan, Pandit Deendayal
Petroleum University

4. Tirukkural
133 sections (Adhikarams) of 10
couplets each = 1330 couplets
‘Political Thoughts’ are
continuously spread over 700
couplets of different sections of
Porutpal
Gandhiji , Vinobaji and
Rajagopalachari delved deep into
its wisdom
Tirukkural & Realism
State
Classical Realism
Defensive Realism
Offensive Realism
Subaltern Realism
4
Dr. S. Venkata Krishnan, Pandit Deendayal
Petroleum University

5. 5
Dr. S. Venkata Krishnan, Pandit Deendayal
Petroleum University
Where spreads fertility unfailing, where resides a band,
Of virtuous men, and those of ample wealth, call that a state [731]
State
The state is a fundamental ingredient in
the arguments of realism.

6. Dr. S. Venkata Krishnan, Pandit Deendayal
Petroleum University
6
A country's jewels are these five: unfailing health,
Fertility, wealth, joy and a sure defence [738]
The entities have been arranged in a subtle
manner that the first entity will reinforce the
following entity, then the second entity will
reinforce the third and so on.

7. TOPICS – Related to State, Governance & Administration KURAL/COUPLET NUMBER
Ruler and the qualities required for a ruler 381, 382, 383, 386, 388, 389, 390, 432, 436, 445, 481,520, 528,
530,541, 548,549,550,553-
554,561,562,581,582,583,588,589,590,610
The qualities required/suggestions for a ruler and people 391-430, 471-480, 482-519, 531-540
571-580, 591-600, 601-609, 611-620
621-623, 636, 640, 641-680, 701-730
Suggestions to the ruler and ruled 751-755,757-760,781-790,791-800,801-810, 811-820, 821-830, 831-
840,841-850, 851-890, 891-900,901-950,951-1030
Government and the abilities 384, 385
Abilities required for experts/duties of experts who are in the
service of government/state
Spy- 584, 585, 586, 587
Minister-631-635,638
Diplomat-681-690
Personnel in the service of King (Head of state/Govt): 691-700
Army: 761-770
Soldiers/Warriors: 771-780
Caution/Warning to ruler and ruled 1040-1080
Good governance/Consequences of good governance/
Consequences of Just ruler
542-547
Bad governance/Consequences of bad governance/
Consequences of unjust ruler
551-552, 555, 556-560,563,564,565,566,567,568,569,570
Pragmatism 426, 470, 471, 478,637, 667,675, 823, 827, 829,830, 871,875, 882
Community 451 to 460
Agriculture: 1031-1040
7
Dr. S. Venkata Krishnan,
Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University

8. Classical Realism Though knowing all that books can teach, 'tis truest tact
To follow common sense of men in act [637]
8
Dr. S. Venkata Krishnan, Pandit Deendayal
Petroleum University
It is stressing the necessity of prudence
in actions

9. Classical Realism
As dwells the world, so with the world to dwell
In harmony- this is to wisely live and well [426]
9
Dr. S. Venkata Krishnan, Pandit Deendayal
Petroleum University

10. Dr. S. Venkata Krishnan, Pandit Deendayal
Petroleum University
10
http://whartonmagazine.com/blogs/the-trade-war-is-really-about-the-future-of-
innovation/#sthash.zKqJKYuB.dpbs
It is unlike the popular notion of Classical Realism to stress
the roots of human nature for state’s behaviour, it is stressing
the necessity of prudence

11. Defensive Realism
A fort should be impregnable to foes, who gird it round,
Or aim there darts from far, or mine beneath the ground [747]
11
Dr. S. Venkata Krishnan, Pandit Deendayal
Petroleum University
Defensive strategy is often the best route to
security

12. 12
Dr. S. Venkata Krishnan, Pandit Deendayal
Petroleum University
A fortification of the different strand is at present taking place in the world. For example, the proliferation of
ballistic missiles poses an increasing threat to populations, territory and forces. However, many countries
have ballistic missiles defence or trying to develop or acquire them

13. Offensive Realism
Who aims at elephant, though dart should fail, has greater praise
Than he who woodland hare with winged arrow slays [772]
13
Dr. S. Venkata Krishnan, Pandit Deendayal
Petroleum University
States to look for opportunities to gain
power at the expense of rivals and to take
advantage of those situations when the
benefits outweigh the costs
A state should augment its capacity to its
maximum and it should not satisfy itself
with lesser objectives

14. Destroy the thorn, while tender point can work thee no offence;
Matured by time, 'twill pierce the hand that plucks it thence [879]
14
Dr. S. Venkata Krishnan, Pandit Deendayal
Petroleum University
But breathe upon them, and they surely die,
Who fail to tame the pride of angry enemy [880]

15. Dr. S. Venkata Krishnan, Pandit Deendayal
Petroleum University
15
Free from factions, and desolating civil strife, and band
Of lurking murderers that king afflict, that is the state [735]Subaltern Realism
The main sources of conflict, which are
either domestic or a mix of intrastate and
interstate factors
Internal security going to be a big
challenge for India: NSA , Jul 13, 2018.

16. Wisdom for the present
• Tirukkural is not for unjust war
• Unwarranted hostility in the affairs of the state, as well as individual, has also been
condemned in Kural [couplets 851to 860]
• India should avoid idealism or utopianism in its foreign policy behaviour (Kural-426)
• India has challenges from Pakistan and China but, it is not possible to follow Kural-
875 and make one of them as a friend (at least in near future). So, apply defensive
and offensive realism.
• A comprehensive study about major actors of the world to be taken in India. To
analyse the strengths and weaknesses our enemies as well as friends (Kural-471).
• India should not hesitate to be hard with such forces who are disturbing the peace
and security of the country (Kural-880).
• Tirukkural should be part of Political Science, International Relations, Strategic and
Diplomatic studies in Indian universities and in the training institutions like the
Foreign Service Institute.
Dr. S. Venkata Krishnan, Pandit Deendayal
Petroleum University
16

17. Dr. S. Venkata Krishnan, Pandit Deendayal
Petroleum University
17
http://www.geocities.ws/nvkashraf/kur-hind/Hin02.htm
स्वार्थरहित कृ त मदद का, यहद गुण आंका जाय ।
उदधि-बड़ाई से बड़ा, वि गुण माना जाय ॥ 103
பயன்தூக்கார் செய்த உதவி நயன்தூக்கின்
நன்மை கடலின் சபரிது. 103
Kindness shown by those who weigh not what the return may be
When you ponder its merit, It is wider than the sea.103