ASIA

Exploring the Rich History of Indian Proverbs

India, where the Ganges reveal ancient secrets and the Himalayas play hide-and-seek with the clouds, is a treasure trove of rich cultural heritage.. With over 1,600 languages bubbling into the Indian basket, it’s a linguistic treasure hunt!

India is home to several major languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Punjabi, and Gujarati, each with unique distinct script and ancient origins. Hindi, written in Devanagari, is the most widely spoken, followed by Bengali, Tamil, and Marathi.

Hindi adds a pinch of masala with its playful humorousness, like Bollywood’s catchy tunes echoing through its streets. Tamil whispers secrets in the rhythm of its classical music, seducing you to dance along. Punjabi, known for its lively folk songs, fills the air with laughter and joy. Bengali, renowned for its rich literary tradition, crafts tales that stir the imagination.

Indian proverbs with English translations – Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Punjabi, Kannada

Indian proverbs have their origins in ancient scriptures, folklore, and the everyday experiences of its people, capturing the essence of Indian culture and its myriad ways of expression. From the Sanskrit ancient texts to the Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, and other languages spoken today, these sayings serve as cultural markers and teaching tools that have been passed down through generations.

So, buckle up and dive into this linguistic rollercoaster!

A Giggle Amidst Wisdom: A monkey dressed up

In Tamil, the saying “அழகு பட்ட குரங்கு” translates to “A monkey dressed up.” This proverb humorously describes someone who is outwardly adorned but lacks the manners or sophistication to match their appearance. It’s often used to mock someone who looks stylish but behaves inappropriately. For example, someone wearing an expensive suit but displaying poor etiquette might be compared to a “dressed-up monkey.”

Oiling the mustache while the jackfruit is still on the tree

A popular Bengali proverb, “গাছে কাঁঠাল গোঁফে তেল“, translates to “Oiling the mustache while the jackfruit is still on the tree.” This proverb humorously points out the folly of celebrating success prematurely. The imagery of someone preparing to eat a jackfruit before it’s even harvested highlights the absurdity of counting one’s chickens before they hatch. For instance, celebrating a promotion before the official announcement is made can backfire, as this proverb warns.

Indian proverbs with English translations – Hindi

Embodiments of Wisdom: Indian Proverbs

Hindi

• आ बैल मुझे मार – Hindi
  • Translation: Come bull, hit me
  • Meaning: This proverb conveys a readiness to face challenges head-on, no matter how formidable they may seem. It reflects the courage and resilience ingrained in Indian culture.

• अंधों में काना राजा – Hindi
  • Translation: “In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.”
  • Meaning: This proverb signifies that even a person with limited abilities can excel in a group where others are even less capable. It emphasizes relative superiority rather than absolute excellence.

• घर का भेदी, लंका ढाए – Hindi
  • Translation: The insider betrays the home, and Lanka burns.
  • Meaning: This proverb cautions against betrayal from within and its potentially devastating consequences. It draws parallels to the betrayal of Vibhishana, a character from the Indian epic Ramayana, who disclosed secrets to Lord Rama’s adversary, Ravana, leading to the downfall of the kingdom of Lanka.

• पानी में रहकर मगरमच्छ से बैर करना – Hindi
  • Translation: Making enemies with a crocodile while living in the water.
  • Meaning: This proverb advises against provoking a dangerous adversary when in a vulnerable position. It symbolizes the folly of antagonizing those who hold power over you.

Indian proverbs with English translations – Tamil

Tamil

• அரசனின் நிழலில் நின்றால் அடிமையாவாய் -Tamil
  • Translation: “Standing in the shadow of a king makes you a slave.”
  • Meaning: Associating with powerful people can lead to a loss of independence.

• அரசு அழிந்தால் களைவனுக்கும் பயம் -Tamil
  • Translation: “When the kingdom falls, even the weeds are afraid.”
  • Meaning: When a major downfall happens, it affects everyone, including the insignificant.

• உடுக்குதல் விலையும் வீடு விலையும் –Tamil
  • Translation: “The price of sleep and the price of home.”
  • Meaning: This proverb highlights the importance of prioritizing basic needs and comforts in life. It suggests that both rest and shelter are invaluable and essential aspects of human existence.

• அறிவை ஆயுதமாகக் கொண்டால் எதிரியில்லை -Tamil
  • Translation: “With knowledge as a weapon, there are no enemies.”
  • Meaning: Knowledge empowers and protects, making one invincible.

• உப்பு இல்லாமல் சோறு முடியுமா? -Tamil
  • Translation: “Can food be complete without salt?”
  • Meaning: Essential things cannot be overlooked.

Indian proverbs with English translations – Bengali

Bengali

• অতিরিক্ত মিষ্টি খেলে দাঁত ক্ষয় হয় – Bengali
  • Translation: “Too much sweetness rots the teeth.”
  • Meaning: Excess of anything is harmful.

• অতি ভক্তি চোরের লক্ষণ – Bengali
  • Translation: “Too much devotion is a sign of a thief.”
  • Meaning: Overly flattering behavior can be deceptive.

• যে রাঁধে সে চুলও বাঁধে – Bengali
  • Translation: “She who cooks also ties her hair.”
  • Meaning: A capable person manages multiple tasks efficiently.

• অন্যের দোষ সহজে দেখা যায় – Bengali
  • Translation: “Others’ faults are easily seen.”
  • Meaning: People are quick to notice others’ flaws but ignore their own.

• হাতে বাগান, পায়ে বাঘান – Bengali
  • Translation: “A garden in hand, tigers at the feet.”
  • Meaning: This proverb metaphorically implies that while one may possess wealth or prosperity, they should remain cautious and vigilant, as challenges or threats may still lurk nearby.

Indian proverbs with English translations – Punjabi

Punjabi

• ਪੱਥਰ ਨੂੰ ਪਾਣੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਚੜ੍ਹਦਾ – Punjabi
  • Translation: “Water doesn’t climb the stone.”
  • Meaning: Certain efforts are futile.

• ਅੱਤ ਬੰਦੂਕ ਦੋਸਤ ਨਿਭਾਵੇ, ਸੱਥ ਪਿੱਛੇ ਲੱਗ ਜਾਵੇ – Punjabi
  • Translation: “A good gun should be used to protect friends, not to chase them away.”
  • Meaning: This proverb advises using one’s strengths or resources for positive and constructive purposes, rather than causing harm or discord among friends or allies.

• ਔਖੇ ਕੰਮ ਨੂੰ ਸੌਖਾ ਕਹਿਣਾ ਅਸਾਨ ਹੈ – Punjabi
  • Translation: “It’s easy to call a difficult task simple.”
  • Meaning: Criticizing or downplaying others’ efforts is easy when you don’t do the work.

• ਸਾਫ ਦਿਲ ਅਤੇ ਨਰਮ ਜੀਭ – Punjabi
  • Translation: “A clear heart and a soft tongue.”
  • Meaning: Honesty and politeness are virtues.

• ਬਿਨਾ ਮਿਹਨਤ ਫਲ ਨਹੀਂ ਮਿਲਦਾ – Punjabi
  • Translation: “Without hard work, there is no fruit.”
  • Meaning: Success requires effort.

Indian proverbs with English translations – Kannada

Kannada

• ಅಜ್ಜಿಯ ತುತ್ತು ಆಯ್ತು, ಹಸಿವಿನ ಹೊಟ್ಟೆಗಾಯ್ತು – Kannada
  • Translation: “Grandmother’s morsel filled the hungry stomach.”
  • Meaning: Small acts of kindness have great impact.

• ಅರಳಿದ ಹೂವು, ಅರಿಯದ ಸುಗಂಧ – Kannada
  • Translation: “A blossomed flower, an unrecognized fragrance.”
  • Meaning: True talent or virtue often goes unnoticed.

• ಬೇಳೆ ಬೇಯಲು ಸಮಯ ಬೇಕು – Kannada
  • Translation: “Lentils need time to cook.”
  • Meaning: Patience is needed to achieve results.

• ಆನೆ ಬಂತು ಎನ್ನುತ್ತದೆ, ಏಣಿಗೆ ಹತ್ತುವುದು ಯಾರು? – Kannada
  • Translation: “The elephant has come, but who will climb the ladder?”
  • Meaning: Opportunities are present, but who will take the initiative?

• ಮಾತಿಗೆ ಮೀಸೆ ಬಿಟ್ಟು ದಪ್ಪನಾದರು ಏನು? – Kannada
  • Translation: “What use is a thick mustache if the words are empty?”
  • Meaning: Appearances are useless without substance.

In the Pulse of Conversation: Proverbs in Everyday Discourse

As our linguistic voyage draws to a close, let’s reflect on the lessons learned. India’s proverbs, with their vivid imagery and timeless teachings, serve as guiding lights in navigating life’s complexities. They remind us of the importance of patience, resilience, and empathy. Beyond words, they embody the resilience of a diverse nation, where unity thrives amidst diversity.

Imagine the flow of the Ganges, sacred and eternal, mirroring the resilience of India’s people and their proverbs. Picture the majestic Taj Mahal, a testament to love’s enduring power, echoing the timeless wisdom found in every saying. As we bid adieu, let these proverbs linger in your thoughts, inspiring you to embrace life’s challenges with grace and optimism.