కులంకన్నా గుణం ప్రధానం

kulankanna gunam pradhanam

Translation

Character is more important than caste

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes that a person's character, virtues, and behavior are far more significant than their social status, lineage, or the community they were born into. It is used to advocate for meritocracy and moral integrity over inherited identity.

Related Phrases

Character depends on one's lineage

This proverb suggests that a person's character, behavior, and traits are often influenced by their upbringing, family background, or the environment they are born into. It is typically used to imply that quality or nature is inherent to one's roots.

Sustained by food, dependent on life. Said of the body.

This expression highlights the fundamental importance of food for survival. It conveys that food is the essence of life and that all living beings depend on it to exist. It is often used to remind people of the sacredness of food and the necessity of basic sustenance before pursuing higher spiritual or intellectual goals.

Character is more important than worship, and intent is more important than words

This expression emphasizes that internal purity and sincerity are superior to outward rituals or eloquent speech. It suggests that one's conscience and true intentions define their character more than formal religious acts or mere promises.

Fasting is the best medicine.

For centuries, fasting is recommended as cure for any ailment by doctors practicing Indian medicine, Ayurveda.

Performing a feast/ceremony in the middle of a crowd or rush.

This expression is used to describe a person taking advantage of a busy or chaotic situation to accomplish their own personal tasks or selfish motives unnoticed. It is similar to the English concept of 'making hay while the sun shines,' but often carries a slightly opportunistic or sneaky connotation.

Character is more important than worship; intent is more important than words.

This proverb emphasizes that inner purity and genuine intentions are far more significant than outward religious rituals or superficial speech. It is used to remind people that having a clean heart and a good conscience defines a person's true nature better than mere displays of piety or eloquence.

Doubt is a life-threatening crisis.

This proverb highlights that suspicion or doubt can be as agonizing and dangerous as a fatal illness. It is used to describe situations where a person's constant distrust or lack of faith in someone or something leads to extreme mental agony, ruins relationships, or creates unnecessary complications that feel like a matter of life and death.

The burning of Lanka

This expression is used to describe a situation of massive destruction, a major uproar, or a heated argument that results in chaos. It originates from the Ramayana, where Hanuman sets the city of Lanka on fire.

A monkey with lineage and character is better than Rambha (a celestial beauty) without lineage or character.

This proverb emphasizes that character, values, and respectable background are more important than mere physical beauty or superficial attractiveness. It suggests that someone who may look plain but possesses good virtues is far superior to a beautiful person who lacks integrity or good qualities.

Wealth is more important than lineage/caste.

This proverb suggests that in the practical world, a person's financial status and prosperity are often given more importance and respect than their family background or caste. It is used to highlight the power of wealth in social standings.