56.1 Tyrannical Rule

 56.1 Tyrannical Rule

Question:

              What is wrong with excessive taxation?

Answer:

Imposing excessive taxes by a ruler is like a highway

robber with a lance looting the helpless travelers. (couplet – 552)

வேலொடு நின்றான் இடுவென் றதுபோலும்

கோலொடு நின்றான் இரவு.                               (குறள் – 552)

Explanation:

When a highway robber armed with weapons threatens a wayfarer and demands him to give his valuables, the wayfarer has no choice but to give everything he has to the robber. Citizens are in the same state when the ruler imposes heavy taxes. They will be subject to penalties and even imprisonment if they do not pay the taxes. So, the ruler's actions are not different from that of the highway robber.