Why Did Karna Not Support Yudhisthira and Arjuna?
During the epic battle of Kurukshetra, Karna, the mighty warrior, chose to fight on the side of Duryodhana despite his kinship with the Pandavas. This decision puzzles many readers of the Mahabharata. But one can better understand his reasoning by analyzing the complex loyalties and circumstances that influenced his choice.
Background and Allegiance
In the last moments before the battle, Lord Krishna attempted to sway Karna. He revealed a secret to Karna: Kunti, Karna’s birth mother, was also the mother of the Pandavas. As Kunti had conceived and given birth to Karna before she married Pandu, Karna was the eldest son and thus should rightfully inherit the throne of Panchala and become the husband of Draupadi. However, Karna’s loyalty lay with his adoptive parents, Adhiratha and Radha, who had raised him after his mother abandoned him. These parents were not royal and did not give him the status he needed to perform their final rites. Furthermore, Duryodhana had named Karna king of Anga, elevating his status to a kshatriya.
Karna was deeply aware of the virtue and righteousness of Yudhisthira. He understood that Yudhisthira, being virtuous, would not accept the throne if he knew that Karna was his elder brother. Therefore, Karna kept this secret to protect his own honor and the peace of his adoptive parents. He was well aware that if he were to inherit the vast kingdom left by Pandu, it would belong to Duryodhana out of gratitude rather than his rightful claim.
Moral Struggle and Redemption
Karna also believed that Yudhisthira and Arjuna, along with their kingdom, were the rightful rulers. They had conquered all other kings on earth. However, Karna felt ashamed of his past behavior towards the Pandavas. In an attempt to seek redemption, he confessed his shame and wanted to fight to establish righteousness. But the dynamics of the battle and personal loyalties were not so simple for Karna. Though he was well-versed in the Vedas and scriptures, his geographical and personal affiliations were strongly rooted in the Duryodhana camp.
Final Refusal and Negotiations
After Krishna’s failed efforts, Kunti pleaded with Karna to reconsider his stance. Karna refused to deceive the people who loved, trusted, and respected him. Yet, he agreed to spare his brothers, except for Arjuna, who had the honor of either slaying or being slain by Karna. This decision was not based on a lack of personal affection, but rather on his duty to the gods, his senses, and the fate that he had already embraced in the face of his dishonorable past. Despite his wish to see his brothers victorious for the good of humanity, Karna was prepared to do whatever it took to defeat them, leaving no stone unturned.
Conclusions
Understanding Karna’s complex loyalties and personal struggles provides a deeper insight into the intricacies of the Mahabharata. His decision to fight on the side of Duryodhana, while seemingly illogical to many, is rooted in his understanding of duty, honor, and the complex web of familial and social ties that bound him. Karna’s story is a poignant reminder of the human capacity for both honor and shame, and the choices one makes under the pressure of righteousness and survival.
Illustration source: Provided by K M Ganguli’s Mahabharata.