Karna’s life in the Mahabharata is filled with controversies and enigmas, making him one of the most complex and intriguing characters in the epic. These controversies and mysteries add depth to his character and contribute to the enduring fascination with his story. Here are some of the most notable ones:
His Birth and Abandonment
Karna is born to Kunti and the Sun God, Surya, before Kunti’s marriage. This miraculous birth itself is a source of controversy, as it involves divine intervention and raises questions about his legitimacy and place in society. Kunti’s decision to abandon Karna in a basket on the river Ganges creates a mystery around his origins and leads to his adoption by a charioteer family. This act of abandonment affects his entire life and fuels the sense of injustice he feels.
Identity and Social Status
Despite his divine origin, Karna is raised as a Suta, a lower caste of charioteers, leading to significant social prejudice and discrimination. This raises questions about the rigid caste system and the true worth of individuals. Kunti reveals to Karna that he is her eldest son and a Pandava just before the Kurukshetra War. This revelation creates a moral and emotional dilemma for Karna and raises questions about his loyalties and the ethics of Kunti’s long-held secret.
Curses and Their Fairness
Karna received three curses in his life. The first curse was from Mother Earth. Karna helped a young girl by squeezing the earth to retrieve spilt oil. Mother Earth was pained and cursed Karna that she would not assist him during battles, as in the incident where his chariot wheel got stuck in the mud. The second curse was from Parashurama. When Parashurama was resting on Karna’s lap, a scorpion bit Karna and blood started flowing. Parashurama woke up as the warm blood touched him and was bewildered once he realized Karna was a warrior. He cursed Karna to forget his knowledge of weapons when he needed them most, as in the fight against Arjuna. The third curse was from a Brahmin. Karna mistakenly shot the Brahmin’s cow with a “Shabd Bhedi” arrow. The Brahmin cursed Karna that he would die when his attention was diverted during combat, as in when he was fatally shot by Arjuna while trying to remove his chariot wheel from the mud. The severity and inevitability of this curse raise questions about the role of fate and divine justice in his life.
Loyalty to Duryodhana
Karna’s unwavering loyalty to Duryodhana, despite knowing the Pandavas are his brothers and the rightful heirs to the throne, creates a moral ambiguity. Gratitude fuels Karna’s loyalty, but it places him on the side seen as unjust, raising questions about the nature of loyalty and righteousness.
Lac house incident
Karna’s role in the conspiracy to kill the Pandavas in the lac palace underscores his deep loyalty to Duryodhana and his willingness to support him, even in morally questionable endeavours. While not the mastermind, Karna’s complicity and strategic support were significant. This episode highlights the ethical dilemmas and internal conflicts that define Karna’s character, making him one of the most complex and tragic figures in the Mahabharata.
Role in Draupadi’s Humiliation
Karna plays a significant role in the humiliation of Draupadi during the dice game, calling her a prostitute and suggesting she be disrobed. This act stains his otherwise noble character and raises questions about his judgment and ethics. His harsh words and support for Duryodhana’s actions during this event cast a shadow over his character, contrasting sharply with his otherwise noble qualities.
Generosity and Vulnerability
Karna’s act of giving away his divine armour and earrings to Indra, disguised as a Brahmin, is both a testament to his generosity and a cause of his vulnerability. This incident highlights the interplay between his virtues and the exploitation of those virtues.
Karna’s promise to Kunti not to kill any Pandavas except Arjuna, despite fighting for the Kauravas, shows his complex character, but also puts him at a strategic disadvantage. This promise reveals his inner conflict and sense of duty towards both his adoptive and biological families.
Krishna’s Role and Influence
Krishna’s offer to Karna to join the Pandavas and rule as the eldest brother raises questions about fate, free will, and the choices that define one’s destiny. Karna’s refusal of this offer highlights his steadfastness but also the tragic path he chooses. Before the war, Krishna reveals Karna’s true identity and offers him the throne of Hastinapura if he joins the Pandavas. Karna’s refusal, out of loyalty to Duryodhana and his sense of honour, is controversial as it leads to his tragic end.
Combat and Death
The circumstances of Karna’s death are controversial. His chariot wheel getting stuck, his invocation of Parashurama’s curse, and Krishna’s role in advising Arjuna to kill a defenceless Karna all contribute to the debate about the fairness and heroism in his death.
Unacknowledged Heroism
Despite his significant contributions and prowess, Karna’s heroism is often overshadowed by his tragic end and the prejudices he faced. His death, without full recognition of his true worth, adds to the enigma of his character.
Manipulation in War
Krishna’s strategic moves during the war, including advising Arjuna to kill Karna when he is defenceless, show the complex interplay of dharma (duty) and adharma (non-righteousness) in the epic, with Karna often being a pawn in these divine schemes.
Conclusion
Karna’s life is marked by a series of controversies and enigmas that make him a tragic and multifaceted character. His story raises profound questions about caste, identity, fate, free will, loyalty, and the nature of true heroism. These elements contribute to the enduring fascination with Karna and the rich, complex narrative of the Mahabharata.