The Rise and Fall of Karna: A Comparative Study of Ramesh Menon’s Mahabharata and Devdutta Pattanaik’s Jaya

Volume 3 Issue 2 Monsoon Edition 2023

Abstract

Aim: Karna, one of the leading characters in the legendry Mahabharata, plays a significant role as he stood against the Pandavas in the great ‘dharma yudh’. Like the Pandavas, he too is born of Kunti, but had to be abandoned by his mother.He comes across as a dispossessed person who ismarginalized and must endure humiliation and deprivation, though he too is a great warrior. Despite being a valiant soldier and possessing virtues of Dharma, Karma, and generosity, he is marginalized on account of factors that are beyond his control. He is a victim of his circumstances. However, Karna’s heroic nature cannot be stifled, he resists suppression imposed by the privileged members of his clan and aligns himself with the Kauravas. Karna’s journey highlights the profound impact of social injustice and the resilience of the human spirit, earning him a lasting place in the annals of The Mahabharata, and in the reader’s consciousness.Methodology and approach: Comparative analysis of Ramesh Menon’s Mahabharata, A Modern Retelling and Devdutta’s Pattnaik’s Jaya. Detailed textual reading and analysis of Menon and Pattnaik’s Jaya Outcome: Though differently treated both renditions assert Karna as a hero. He can be seen as an embodiment of the subaltern.Conclusion: The study highlights the enduring significance of the Mahabharata in addressing universal human dilemmas and provides insights into Karna's character, moral conflicts, and tragic fate. It sheds light on the enduring significance of the epic in all ages.