Tirukkural-On Virtue-On Rectitude-Kural 120

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If those who are engaged in commercial practices develop the habit of looking after other people's property and interests as they do their own, they themselves will thrive. This is according to Rajaji. Valluvar's version of the familiar English proverb, 'Honesty is the best policy'. It is not only sound basic virtue to be fair in trade, it is also the proper commercial ethics and trade policy, for long-term benefit.

According to Illangovadigal the merchants of Puhar like Masathuvan (father of Kovalan) and Manaikan (father of Kannagi), were traders who practiced such virtue:

Kulathirkurai kolungurach selvar

(Silapathikaram)

Kolvathoovum mihaikolaadhu kodupathoovum kurai kodaadhu
Aar irul uithuvidum

( Pattinapaalai-210-12 )