Thirukkural Chapter 74 - The Land

Couplet 731 
Where spreads fertility unfailing, where resides a band,
Of virtuous men, and those of ample wealth, call that a 'land'
Explanation
A kingdom is that in which (those who carry on) a complete cultivation, virtuous persons, and merchants with inexhaustible wealth, dwell together.

Couplet 732 
That is a 'land' which men desire for wealth's abundant share,
Yielding rich increase, where calamities are rare
Explanation
A kingdom is that which is desire for its immense wealth, and which grows greatly in prosperity, being free from destructive causes

Couplet 733 
When burthens press, it bears; Yet, With unfailing hand
To king due tribute pays: that is the 'land'
Explanation
A kingdom is that which can bear any burden that may be pressed on it (from adjoining kingdoms) and (yet) pay the full tribute to its sovereign

Couplet 734 
That is a 'land' whose peaceful annals know,
Nor famine fierce, nor wasting plague, nor ravage of the foe
Explanation
A kingdom is that which continues to be free from excessive starvation, irremediable epidemics, and destructive foes

Couplet 735 
From factions free, and desolating civil strife, and band
Of lurking murderers that king afflict, that is the 'land'
Explanation
A kingdom is that which is without various (irregular) associations, destructive internal enemies, and murderous savages who (sometimes) harass the sovereign

Couplet 736 
Chief of all lands is that, where nought disturbs its peace;
Or, if invaders come, still yields its rich increase
Explanation
The learned say that the best kingdom is that which knows no evil (from its foes), and, if injured (at all), suffers no diminution in its fruitfulness

Couplet 737 
Waters from rains and springs, a mountain near, and waters thence;
These make a land, with fortress' sure defence
Explanation
The constituents of a kingdom are the two waters (from above and below), well situated hills and an undestructible fort

Couplet 738 
A country's jewels are these five: unfailing health,
Fertility, and joy, a sure defence, and wealth
Explanation
Freedom from epidemics, wealth, produce, happiness and protection (to subjects); these five, the learned, say, are the ornaments of a kingdom

Couplet 739 
That is a land that yields increase unsought,
That is no land whose gifts with toil are bought
Explanation
The learned say that those are kingdom whose wealth is not laboured for, and those not, whose wealth is only obtained through labour

Couplet 740 
Though blest with all these varied gifts' increase,
A land gains nought that is not with its king at peace
Explanation
Although in possession of all the above mentioned excellences, these are indeed of no use to a country, in the absence of harmony between the sovereign and the sujects