Sunday, 17 November 2024

Assignment Paper no. 201 “Karna as a voice of Outsider in Hindu Epic”.

 Table of content

  • Personal Information 

  • Assignment Details 

  • Abstract 

  • Keywords 

  • Introduction 

  • About the Author

  • Key facts of T.P. Kailasm 

  • Overview of the Play

  • Birth and Identity crises in the play

  • Pain of being an outcaste

  • Fidelity and the Strain of Conscience

  • The Heroic Tragedy of Karna

  • The Warrior of Resistance: Karna's Unseen Battle”

  • Curses as Metaphors for Social and Systemic Barriers

  • Echoes of the Subaltern: The Story of Karna 


Personal Information:


Name:- Unnati Baroliya 

Batch:- M.A. Sem 3 (2023-2025)

Enrollment Number:- 5108230002

E-mail Address:- Unnati Baroliya

Roll Number:- 26

Assignment Details:

Topic:- “Karna as a voice of Outsider in Hindu Epic”.

Paper & subject code:-201 Indian English Literature-Pre-Independence. 

Submitted to:- Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar

Date of Submission:- 17th Nov, 2024

Abstract:

T.P. Kailasam, known as the "Father of Modern Kannada Theatre," is a pivotal figure in Indian literature, celebrated for his impactful works that address social issues and caste discrimination. His play The Curse or Karna is a retelling of Karna’s tragic life from the Mahabharata, focusing on themes of identity, loyalty, and social injustice. This analysis delves into Kailasam’s portrayal of Karna as an outsider navigating a rigid caste-based society, highlighting his struggles with identity, loyalty, and the curses that symbolise systemic barriers. The play underscores Karna's status as a subaltern figure—a voice representing marginalised groups denied recognition due to societal prejudices. Through the narrative, Kailasam critiques entrenched social norms, offering a timeless reflection on marginalisation and resilience against social exclusion.

Keywords:

T.P. Kailasam, The Curse or Karna, Mahabharata, Karna, subaltern, social exclusion, caste discrimination, loyalty, identity crisis, marginalization, systemic barriers, contemporary social issues, Ranjit Guha, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, resistance.

About the Playwright:


T.P. Kailasam (1884–1946) was an influential Indian playwright, poet, and writer known for his contributions to Kannada and English literature. He is often referred to as the "Father of Modern Kannada Theatre" due to his pioneering work in transforming the theatrical landscape in India. Kailasam’s writing is notable for its focus on social issues, sharp wit, and the use of colloquial language, making his works accessible and relatable to the common people.


Key facts about T.P. Kailasam:


Born in Bangalore, British India, Kailasam came from a well-respected family. He was educated in India and later in the United Kingdom, where he studied geology. Despite his scientific background, his passion for literature and drama took precedence, leading him to become a full-time writer and dramatist.


Kailasam’s plays often tackled social inequalities, the rigidity of traditional norms, and the struggles of marginalised individuals. He was known for his bold criticism of societal hypocrisy and caste discrimination. His writing combined humour, satire, and deep philosophical insights to provoke thought and spark change.


Some of his well-known plays include,Tollu Gatti (The Fool), Bahishkar (The Outcast), and The Purpose. His works in English, such as The Curse or Karna, showcased his ability to reinterpret classical epics with a focus on the human and emotional aspects of their characters.


Introduction:


The Curse or Karna by T.P. Kailasam is a dramatic retelling of Karna’s life from the Mahabharata, emphasising his role as an outsider and a tragic hero. The play explores Karna’s struggle with identity and social exclusion due to his upbringing as a charioteer’s son, despite his royal lineage. His unwavering loyalty to Duryodhana, who acknowledges and respects him, becomes both his strength and downfall. Key themes include alienation, loyalty, fate, and social injustice, with curses acting as symbols of the insurmountable barriers imposed by society and destiny. Kailasam’s empathetic portrayal critiques rigid social norms and highlights the timeless relevance of Karna’s plight, making it a powerful commentary on marginalisation and the pursuit of recognition.


Kailasam’s interpretation provides a nuanced examination of Karna’s life, emphasising the themes of social exclusion, identity, and the search for legitimacy and respect. Here’s a detailed ride to the Karna’s play which embodies the experience of being an outsider in the play:


Birth and Identity Crisis in the play:


Karna’s birth is shrouded in secrecy, as he is the son of Kunti and the sun god, Surya, but born before Kunti’s marriage. This makes him an illegitimate child, setting the stage for his lifelong struggle with identity. The societal norms of the time prevent him from being accepted as a Kshatriya despite his royal lineage. Kailasam's portrayal highlights Karna’s constant conflict between his noble birthright and the harsh reality of his upbringing as a charioteer’s son. This origin story defines Karna as an outsider who is denied recognition and respect in a rigid caste-based society.


The pain of being an outcast


Kailasam highlights karna’s repeated rejections by those who uphold the societal structure, notably the Pandavas and the other Kuru princes. Despite his valour, archery skills, and warrior-like qualities, Karna is consistently reminded of his low status. His humiliation at the tournament where he tries to showcase his prowess but is denied the opportunity due to his perceived low birth underscores this theme. This scene symbolises how societal norms and prejudices perpetuate the alienation of individuals who do not fit within accepted boundaries.


Fidelity and the Strain of Conscience


Kailasam presents Karna as a deeply loyal character, bound by gratitude to Duryodhana, who is the only one to recognize his worth and crown him as king of Anga. However, this loyalty also isolates him from moral and ethical dilemmas that he faces when supporting Duryodhana’s unjust cause. Karna’s loyalty, then, becomes a double-edged sword that contributes to his outsider status — he is neither fully aligned with the Kauravas nor accepted by the Pandavas, despite his kinship with them.


Curses and Fate


The title of the play itself, The Curse or Karna, alludes to the multiple curses that play a role in Karna’s tragic life. These curses can be seen as metaphors for the societal and cosmic forces that conspire against those who are marked as outsiders. For example, the curse from Parashurama, who curses Karna for deceit after learning of his lower caste, reflects how even divine figures enforce rigid social boundaries. This highlights the systemic barriers faced by those who strive for more than what society deems appropriate for them.


The Heroic Tragedy of Karna


Kailasam’s Karna is a tragic hero who embodies the essence of the “outsider” not just through his actions but through his very existence. He is a character caught between the aspirations of being a hero and the societal forces that refuse to let him transcend his status. His constant battle against discrimination and the quest for recognition make him relatable as a voice for the marginalised and those who live on the periphery of mainstream society.


The Warrior of Resistance: Karna's Unseen Battle


Ultimately, Kailasam portrays Karna as a symbol of resistance against the unjust social order. His unwavering pursuit of excellence and honour, despite the continuous denials and humiliations, reflects the resilience of individuals who challenge societal norms. Karna’s story becomes a powerful narrative that sheds light on how deeply ingrained prejudices can dictate the course of a person’s life, positioning him as an emblem of all who are denied their rightful place due to circumstances beyond their control.


Symbol of Unrecognised Potential


This reflects a universal theme where individuals from marginalised backgrounds are often denied opportunities to showcase their abilities solely due to their birth or social class. In the play, the scene where Karna is rejected from the tournament because of his lower-caste status is a direct commentary on how merit is frequently overlooked in favour of social hierarchy.


Curses as Metaphors for Social and Systemic Barriers


The curses that afflict Karna in the play are more than just mythical plot devices; they symbolise the societal and systemic barriers that marginalised individuals face. Parashurama’s curse upon discovering Karna’s low birth highlights how even spiritual or knowledgeable authorities can reinforce social exclusion. These curses are metaphors for the inescapable challenges that marginalised people encounter, which can be seen in modern society as structural discrimination, bias, and barriers to social mobility. 


Reflection of Modern Social Issues


Kailasam’s depiction of Karna’s plight also serves as a reflection of contemporary issues such as casteism, racism, and other forms of discrimination. Karna’s alienation and the limited acceptance he receives due to his background parallel the challenges faced by marginalised groups today. His story calls attention to the need for societal change, encouraging audiences to question the systems that maintain such exclusion and consider how to create a more inclusive society.


Echoes of the Subaltern: The Story of Karna


The term "subaltern" originally described a lower-ranking officer in the British army, typically below the rank of captain, such as a second lieutenant. Over time, however, the word evolved in its use, particularly in literary and social discourse, to represent those deprived of rights or opportunities due to their birth, caste, or creed—individuals marginalised and relegated to subordinate positions within society. These individuals were often stripped of basic freedoms such as the right to education, expression, and access to societal resources. During the period of British colonialism, the term came to include the colonised populations who were subjugated under the guise of being "civilised" by their colonial rulers, losing their fundamental rights in the process.


The concept of the "subaltern" was popularised by historian Ranjit Guha and adopted by Marxist theorist Antonio Gramsci. It was further explored in-depth by literary critic Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak in her seminal essay Can the Subaltern Speak?. Spivak argued that subalterns are the unrepresented and voiceless segments of society, seen as inferior and deemed unworthy of contributing meaningfully. While these marginalised voices are capable of speaking, society’s elite often chooses not to hear them. This notion can be directly related to the character of Karna, who, despite his capability and valour, is reduced to a "Sootha Putra" (son of a charioteer) and treated as an outsider.


Karna’s life exemplifies the subaltern experience. Born of Kshatriya blood with all the inherent strength, bravery, and honour of a warrior, he was unaware of his true heritage and grew up as a member of the charioteer caste. This upbringing branded him as a subaltern, excluded from the education and rights that were due to him by birth. Throughout his life, Karna faced systemic barriers that denied him recognition and respect. Even during the Kurukshetra war, he was compelled to follow Duryodhana (Suyodhana) unconditionally due to loyalty and a sense of indebtedness. His opinions and insights were often overlooked, and his voice suppressed, despite his inner nobility.


One of the most telling moments of Karna’s suppressed voice is seen during the disrobing of Draupadi (Chirharan). Though bound by allegiance, Karna’s resistance to the injustice shows his inherent integrity and moral courage. Yet, even then, his words were subdued, overshadowed by the power dynamics at play. This reinforces the idea that Karna’s voice represents that of the subaltern—capable and honourable, but consistently ignored by those in power.


Conclusion


T.P. Kailasam’s The Curse or Karna provides a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of Karna, an emblem of the outsider fighting against societal and systemic barriers. By weaving themes of loyalty, alienation, and social injustice, Kailasam presents Karna’s life as a commentary on casteism and exclusion. The curses in the play symbolise the barriers marginalised individuals face, while Karna’s constant struggle reflects the ongoing relevance of the subaltern's fight for recognition. The play serves as a profound critique of social inequality and a call to challenge entrenched norms, resonating with modern discussions on discrimination and the quest for an inclusive society.


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