Re-inventing Karna of the Mahabharata with a Renewed Perspective- A Review of Literature

Abstract

Purpose: A casual look at the phenomena around us gives us a certain image, a certain perspective. When we have an insight into the same through a prism of investigation a new image, a new perspective emerges. The epic Mahabharata is so full of players who mesmerise the casual and serious readers alike. The plot is thick with kings, ministers, commanders, courtesans, mentors, soldiers, etc. Birth, lineage, warfare techniques have a role to play in deciding one's status in that setting. A character in Mahabharata that has been wronged vehemently from the social perspective and of relative deprivation is Karna.

Design / Methodology/Approach:  The Review of Literature is carried out with the secondary data gathered from educational websites and written publications. The research will be conducted using Research Journals, Doctoral Theses, and websites. This qualitative research is carried out by examining and interpreting existing knowledge on the subject utilising the keywords “Adroitness, Deprivation, Karna, Kunti, Values” found in online articles, peer-reviewed journals, publications, and a range of related portals.

Findings/Result: Karna had asked his mother to officially identify him as her son even in his final moments. During his funeral, the Pandavas learned the heinous truth about their kinship. Krishna tells Kunti that Karna was a hero who died as a hero. Despite the fact that the world is full of greed, power, and betrayal, only Karna has chosen the path of righteousness. The only way to kill Karna was to take away all of his righteousness. Karna received legitimacy during his death, something he had desired his entire life. He'd finally earned his rightful place.  

Originality/Value:  This paper makes a sincere study of Karna a major character in The Mahabharata, the of whom is not available anywhere else in the world in any literature as Ramdhari Singh Dinakar opines. He exemplified the finest attributes of courage, honesty, friendship, benefaction, austerity, oblation, and emancipation of the oppressed. When pushed to their limits, all of these characteristics combined and manifested in Karna. Karna cultivated all his attributes by acquiring balanced knowledge in meditation, weaponry, and scriptures. Karna sprouted in secret, like a forest flower.

Paper Type: Exploratory research paper.