The Enigma called Karna

There is no doubt that the most enigmatic character in the Mahabharata is Karna. The eldest son of Kunti brought up as the son of a Suta turned out to be a great warrior, one whom Yudhishtira feared the most. His death at the hand of Arjuna virtually ended the war, with only the formality of killing Duryodhana remaining.

Karna is one of the characters who has been glorified in novels, TV shows, and movies. Karna has been projected as the most powerful and noble characters in the Mahabharata. The story of Karna is a tragic one and he is a clear underdog, which is why people have a soft corner for the fallen hero.

Who is the real Karna? Is he a hero who was as valorous as Arjuna or more? Was he a tragic hero who was cheated by fate? Or did he meet a cruel end because of his own adharmic acts? Let’s take a dispassionate look at the character of Karna.

Abandoned by his mother at birth, Karna grows up as the son of a charioteer. This gives him the title of ‘suta putra’, which will haunt him throughout his life. He is denied a chance to show his skills in archery and compete with Arjuna. Then, Duryodhana makes him a king and makes him an equal to the Pandavas.

Karna is feared by Yudhishtira and this is revealed in the Mahabharata on many occasions. When Karna becomes commander of the Kauravas, Yudhishtira tells Arjuna to kill him so he can sleep peacefully. Karna then defeats Yudhishtira but does not kill him. Injured and humiliated, Yudhishtira goes to the camp and does not come out until Karna is killed.

Karna dies on the battlefield fighting without a chariot. His chariot wheel is stuck in the mud because of the curse of a Brahmana whose cow he killed accidentally. He forgets his knowledge of celestial weapons because of a curse from his teacher Parashurama.

Arjuna then destroys his bow, brings down his flag, and beheads him using the Anjalika astra. The story of a great warrior comes to an end with his headless body lying on the battlefield. It is a cruel end to the story of a warrior who was born with powerful kavacha (armour) and kundalas (ear-rings) but had to give them away.

All these aspects of Karna’s story are appealing to writers and moviemakers who use them to create a larger than life image of Karna. This has also led to social media efforts to proclaim Karna as a great hero, greater even than Arjuna.

Having examined all the positive aspects of Karna’s character, it is time to look at the other side of the picture. There is no one in the Mahabharata who has a completely positive personality. Every character has flaws that open them up to criticism. So, why should Karna not be subject to criticism?

Let’s take a look at the other side of Karna. Consider the following about Karna:

• Karna was a student of Drona along with Arjuna. When Drona gave the Brahmastra to Arjuna after he passes a test. Karna demands the same knowledge. When refused, he goes to Parashurama.
• Karna lies to Parusharama that he is a Brahmana. This is why he was cursed by his teacher.
• Karna is part of the conspiracy to kill the Pandavas in the lac palace.
• Karna is the one who insults Draupadi during the dice game and asks that her upper garments should be removed since she is a slave.
• He was born with kavacha and kundalas but gave it away to Indra. He insists that Indra given a powerful weapon in return and Indra gives him the Shakti. He plans to use it against Arjuna but is forced to use it against Ghatotkacha.
• Karna is a great hero, no doubt but has been defeated many times. Let’s take a look at these instances:
  • Karna is defeated by Arjuna at the time of Draupadi swayamwara when he and the other kings attack Arjuna who wins Draupadi’s hand.
  • The Gandharvas defeat Karna forcing him to flee and they capture Duryodhana. Ultimately, Arjuna has to save Duryodhana.
  • Karna is defeated by Arjuna during the Virata war.
  • Krishna tells Karna the truth of his birth and asks him to choose the path of dharma, but he refuses. He tells Krishna that he will not let down Duryodhana.
  • On the thirteen day of the war, Karna is repeatedly defeated by Abhimanyu, who even injures him in the ear. Karna then cuts off Abhimanyu’s bow from behind leading to his death.
  • On the fourteenth day of the war, Bheema repeatedly defeats Karna.
  • On the fateful seventeenth day of the war, Karna is unable to defeat Arjuna, who kills his son Vrishasena in front of him. He fights with Arjuna standing on the ground and uses the Brahmastra and Varunastra but is unable to defeat him before he finally loses his life.

A dispassionate look at Karna’s life shows that he followed the path of adharma. While fate did give him a cruel blow, he had an opportunity to make things right when Krishna offered him the kingdom in exchange for joining the Pandavas.

Karna believed that his friendship with Duryodhana was his dharma. He tolerated all his evil acts and became a part of it, which is why he met with such an end.

When we look at the character of Karna, we find a brave and skilled warrior who is known for charity. On the other hand, his involvement in adharma is the biggest negative that led to his downfall. We can thus sum up by saying Karna was a fallen hero, one who could have risen to great heights but fell because of making the wrong choices.

There is no doubt that he is an enigmatic character, one who will be discussed and spoken about always.