Question
Explain Thiruvalluvar’s economic ideas.

Answer

The economic ideas of Thiruvalluvar are found in his immortal work, Thirukkural in its second part porutpal.
  1. Factors of production: Thiruvalluvar has made many passing references about the factors of production, land, labour, capital, organization.
  2. Agriculture: Agriculture is the most fundamental economic activity. The prosperity of other sectors depends on the prosperity of agriculture. Valluvar believes that agriculture is superior to all other occupations.
  3. Public finance: He elaborately explained public finance under the headings public revenue, financial administration and public expenditure.
  4. Public expenditure: Valluvar has recommended a balanced budget. He advocates
    • Defence
    • Public works
    • Social Services
  5. External assistance: Valluvar was against seeking external assistance. He advocated a self-sufficient economy.
  6. Poverty and begging: According to him ‘poverty is the root cause of all other evils which would lead to ever-lasting sufferings.
  7. Wealth: Valluvar has regarded wealth as only a means and not an end.
  8. Welfare state: The important elements of a welfare state are
    • Perfect health of the people without the disease
    • Abundant wealth
    • Good crop
    • Prosperity and happiness
    • Full security for the people.

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