#instead of listing out all the fancy clothes in the long paragraph above like a bunch of other students did

[midshipmank]

never know how to feel when a student gets a 0 on an assignment, despite the fact that he clearly at least skimmed the reading and even spent a reasonable 15 minutes answering the 5 reading comprehension questions. but he just didn’t read closely enough to find the actual answers. like. what am i supposed to do with this. what am i supposed to tell his parents

[ambidextrousarcher]

Meta-1: Dispelling the myth that Karna was unheard by others as he was a Suta...

Okay. *Takes a deep breath*

Since all opinions are welcome here, and I do not wish to ruffle people’s sensibilities (too much, at least, lest anyone think that I am attacking them), I’d like to calmly state that, outside of the realm of TV shows and revisionist retellings, the whole ‘Karna is always dismissed as he was a Suta’ is but a fancy.

I have seen a number of posts, both here and in other sites, recently, claiming that Karna nearly always not listened to because he was a Suta.

I would like to corroborate this claim of mine with quotes from canon. BORI mostly) This is under a cut. Trigger warning: Sexual assault. 

This meta is TOO long as it is, so I am deleting/shortening some canon citations. Feel free to comment if you want the longer versions, I’ll try to DM you.

This is intended for @hindumythologyevent Day 5: Character analysis. 

In light of certain events that happened yesterday, I would like to clarify that this meta was planned for over a month, it has been sitting in my drafts for that long, as @medhasree (my beta/co-writer), @ambitiousandcunning (my beta), @jigyask and @shaonharryandpannisim can attest to. This is not a pre-mediated attack, nor is it meant to be overtly hostile, except perhaps to Karna/Draupadi shippers, as per my own subjective opinion.

This is, as all my posts are, canonically based. I have included many canon citations from BORI and also stated my own subjective opinion. It is not intended to hurt anyone, merely to set some facts in front of everyone who is interested in them.

As usual, I will tag all the mods of the event: @1nsaankahanhai-bkr, @allegoriesinmediasres and @soniaoutloud.  

Also tagging some of my mutuals: @chaanv @mayavanavihariniharini @phalgunaa @snaagin @vishnupada. Apologies for the short tag list.

The first misconception is that Karn was not Dron’s student. He was.

‘Then the valorous Drona taught Pandu’s sons the use of many weapons, human and divine. O bull among the Bharata lineage! Other princes also came to Drona, supreme among Brahmanas, to learn the use of arms—the Vrishnis, the Andhakas, kings from many countries and Radheya, the son of the suta. They made Drona their preceptor. The suta’s son was envious of Partha and always competed with him. With Duryodhana’s support, he showed his contempt for the Pandavas.

(Page 734, The Mahabharata, Kindle Edition)

Here, Radheya, the son of the suta, refers to none other than Karna.

The second instance is the Rangabhoomi exhibition, which is basically the one instance in canon where he IS insulted by someone in the Pandava side, which is Bheem, and not Arjun. However, it makes sense in context.

The first thing to remember here is that the Rangabhoomi is a family exhibition, no one outside family is welcome.

“O Partha! Before the eyes of these people, I will perform feats that will surpass everything that you have done. Don’t be too amazed at what you have done.” O supreme among those who are eloquent! No sooner had he uttered these words, than the spectators quickly stood up all at once, as if raised up by a single machine. O tiger among men! Duryodhana was greatly delighted. Bibhatsu was suddenly filled with anger and a sense of disgrace. ‘With Drona’s permission, Karna, always eager to do battle and immensely strong, exhibited all that Partha had displayed before. O descendant of the Bharata lineage! Duryodhana and his brothers delightedly embraced Karna and said, “O mighty-armed hero! Welcome. Good fortune has brought you here.

(Page 744, The Mahabharata, Kindle Edition)

Clearly, here, it is obvious that Duryodhana and Karna are old friends. Nor has anyone brought his lineage forward yet, until he asks for a duel with Arjun, who, angry, agrees, threatening to kill him.

Another thing to remember here is that Karna is about a decade older than Arjun. In too many modern adaptations, that is washed off. I would like to bring notice to the fact.

Once they are ready, Kripa introduces Arjun, just as Drona had introduced Arjun before, and asks Karna to do the same, introduce himself, proving himself equal to Arjun’s lineage. This might be taken as a slur, but it seems he is just following protocol, since Dron does not object, he actually gives Karn implicit permission as he nods his head and allows Karn in when Karn challenges Arjun. 

After Karna has been crowned to establish him as Arjun’s equal, a crown that he was neither born to, nor earned for himself by either his or his students’ valor, then Adiratha walks in. Karna treats him as a father. That is when Bheem, incensed, insults Karna. (Bheem is very protective of Arjun, so much so that his loyal protectiveness, not only of Arjun, throughout the epic, is his most defining trait) and while it does not excuse what he did, it does give an explanation to why he said what he did.

When Pandava Bhimasena saw him, he deduced that he was a charioteer’s son and jeeringly said, “O son of a charioteer! You don’t have the right to be killed by Partha in battle. You had better take up a whip, more befitting of your lineage.

(Page 747, the Mahabharata, Kindle Edition).

This is, by far, the one time Karna is insulted for his caste. Kindly observe that such “caste”-based insults are not at all new throughout Mahabharata, or specific to Karna either. And no, I am not speaking of the “low” castes, you will be surprised to know. To state an example - the likes of Bheem and Drupad insult Drona for his caste, and he was a Brahmin, unanimously an “upper” caste man. Note the context and timing of such “casteist” insults. War. It is always during war and battle. Psychological warfare is something most of you must have heard of. Insults related to but not limited to caste are spread throughout the epic.

What does he do next? Support Duryodhana in killing the Pandavas.

‘On seeing that Bhimasena had become extremely strong and Dhananjaya extremely skilled, the evil Duryodhana was tormented. Then, Vaikartana Karna and Subala’s son, Shakuni, tried to kill the Pandavas through various means. However, the Pandavas, slayers of enemies, discovered all of them.

(Page 749, The Mahabharata, Kindle Edition).

Note that Karna does not challenge Arjun to a duel again. Arjun, in the text, was clearly willing to go for it. Karna could easily have challenged and killed him (if he really could) out of the public eye. Or, considering the text states that they tried to kill the Pandavas through “various means” (undefined ones), one can speculate if some sort of duel did happen, and if it did, well, the result seems to be conclusive enough for the average heedful reader.

Another incident that is commonly cited is Draupadi refusing him. Something that did not happen. [Only 3-4 manuscripts, including the one KMG used, out of the 1200+ manuscripts, mention the refusal of Draupadi, and go on to contradict themselves again. As such, we can easily junk this interpolation.] 

“O Brahmanas! If Kshatriyas like Karna and Shalya, who are famous in the world, have great strength and are well versed in Dhanur Veda, could not string the bow, how can this weakling Brahmana, with no knowledge of weapons, succeed?

(Page 832, The Mahabharata, Kindle Edition).

This paragraph is said when Arjun stands with the intent of stringing the bow. Karna’s name is explicitly mentioned as ‘could not string the bow.’ Draupadi is documented to say not a word.

For those who say that Arjun is able to fight Karn only with Krishn’s help, I have this sound piece of evidence, (apart from the sound defeat Karna and the rest of the Kuru army faced at Arjun’s hands, without the presence of Krishna), said by Karn himself in Draupadi’s swayamvara, when he is fighting the Brahmana who has won Draupadi. In canon, Arjun and Krishn do not meet until after the Swayamvara.

Have you assumed the form of a Brahmana to disguise yourself and are now fighting strongly with me for self-preservation, mustering the strength of your arms? When I am angry in the field of battle, no one except Shachi’s husband  and Pandava Kiriti can withstand me.”

(Page 836, The Mahabharata, Kindle Edition).

Here, Shachi’s Husband is Indra, and Pandava Kriti is Arjun. Karna himself admits that Arjun can withstand him. 

Note that Karna himself admits that Arjun can easily withstand him, even when he is, self-admittedly “angry in battle”. Karna is quite clearly not holding back when he fights Arjun “just because he is a Brahmin" (which is used by many people to indicate that it was actually Karna who won this “round”). Karna himself seems to think otherwise, friends.

Duryodhana listens to Karna most of the time, instead of the other way round. Karna has a lot of weightage in his councils. In the Dyuta Sabha, after Duryodhana considers Draupadi won, he wants her to come in front of the elders as a slave, as far as I can interpret the text. His ideas explicitly does not include the vastraharan...until. Karna instigates the idea. 

“O Duhshasana! This son of a suta has limited intelligence. He is frightened of Vrikodara. Go and bring Yajnaseni here yourself. Our rivals are now under our control. They can do nothing.” Having heard his brother, the prince arose. His eyes were red with anger. He entered the house of those maharathas and told Princess Droupadi, “O Panchali! O Krishna! You have been won by us. Look upon Duryodhana without any shame. O one with eyes like long lotus petals! You will now love the Kurus. You have been won in accordance with dharma.

(Page 1058, The Mahabharata, Kindle Edition).

Note that Duryodhana seems to have no intent to disrobe Draupadi. He says nothing about dragging Draupadi to court in the vile manner Duhshassan does either. He tells Duhshassan to “bring” her. Probably use harsher words than the “frightened” messenger did, be more authoritative.

This is what Dusshasan says to Draupadi before dragging her (which seems to be completely his own idea, not Duryodhana’s, as portrayed by many). 

Swiftly the angry Duhshasana rushed at her, letting out a great roar. The long, blue and flowing hair belonged to the wife of a lord of men and was now grabbed by him. At the time of the great rajasuya sacrifice, the hair had been sprinkled with auspicious waters. The valour of the Pandavas was vanquished and Dhritarashtra’s son  grabbed it with force. She had protectors, but was without a protector. Grabbing her by her long hair, Duhshasana pulled and dragged her to the sabha, like a plantain tree buffeted by the wind. 

(Page 1059, The Mahabharata, Kindle Edition).

Dusshasan drags Draupadi to the hall, her hair and dress becomes loose, but she is still clad in loose, half-length clothes, befitting her menstruating state, as given above. This scene is bad enough as it is, it is going to get worse.

She is dragged to the Sabha, she asks if Yudhisthir was truly her lord when he lost her, Dushassan keeps dragging her and calling her a slave. Vikarna defends her, asking Dhritrashtra to answer her question. Then enters Karna into the conversation. 

Vikarna again spoke to all those lords of the earth. He rubbed his hands against each other, sighed and said, “O lords of the earth! O Kouravas! Whether you say anything or not, I will tell you what I think is right. O best of men! It has been said that addiction to hunting, drinking, gambling and sexual intercourse are the four vices of kings. The man who is addicted to these deviates from dharma and the world does not approve of these improper deeds. This son of Pandu  was addicted to vice and challenged by deceitful gamblers, staked Droupadi. The unblemished one is common to all the Pandavas. Having first lost himself, the Pandava offered her as stake. Soubala, desirous of a stake, suggested Krishna. Reflecting on all these, I do not think she has been won.” On hearing these words, a great roar arose from all those who were in the sabha. They approved of Vikarna and censured Soubala.

(Page 1062, The Mahabharata, Kindle Edition).

The above is about the latter half of what Vikarna speaks. The Sabha turns to support Draupadi and Vikarna after this.  

When the noise died down, Radheya, who was almost senseless with anger, gripped his lustrous arms and uttered these words, “I have witnessed many distortions in Vikarna. O Dhritarashtra’s son! How can you think that Krishna has not been won? In this sabha, the eldest Pandava staked everything he possessed. O bull among the Bharata lineage! Droupadi is included in all his possessions. When Krishna has been won in accordance with dharma, how can you think she has not been won? Droupadi was mentioned in the speech and the Pandava approved. According to what reason do you then think that she has not been won? If you think that bringing her into the sabha when she is clad in only a single garment is against dharma, listen to the words I have to say in response. O descendant of the Kuru lineage! It has been ordained by the gods that a woman should only have one husband. However, she submits to many and it is therefore certain that she is a courtesan. It is my view that there is nothing surprising in her being brought into the sabha in a single garment, or even if she is naked. In accordance with dharma, Soubala has won all the riches the Pandavas possessed, including her and themselves. O Duhshasana! This Vikarna is only a child, though he speaks words of wisdom. Strip away the garments from the Pandavas and Droupadi.” 

(Page 1063, the Mahabharata, Kindle Edition). 

If you read the passage above, it is extremely clear that it is neither Duryodhan, nor any other Kaurava, who is initiating Vastraharana, either of Draupadi, or her husbands, instead, it is Karna. The Kauravas, including Duryodhana and Dusshasana, follow Karna’s instructions. In fact, Karna outright commands Dusshansana, and he obeys without a murmur.

 There are many people who call this ‘justified retribution’ to the ‘insult’ Draupadi gave Karna, and I have seen that many of them are women. It has already been cited above that Draupadi did not refuse Karna.

Even if she had, I am sure that such disproportionate retribution can be justified only in the eyes of people who have no idea what justice is. Vastraharan is a scene that is nearly rape. It is sexual assault of a very high degree. Would you say that every girl who refuses a boy on grounds that she is not pleased with him deserves something like this? Would you? 

If you would, I am sorry, I would not consider your opinion worthy of consideration, especially if you are a girl/woman yourself.

After Vastraharan, comes the exile. Here, too, Karna plays an active part (until it comes to the thick of battle, in which, most of the time, if not all the time, he runs away. I will prove this, too.)

First comes the Ghoshayatra. Karna plans on humiliating the Pandavas and kill them. Note that I said ‘Karna plans’.

Karna opened his radiant eyes wide. In great anger, he aroused himself, and spoke to Duhshasana and Soubala in wrath, “O lords of men! Listen to my true views. With servile hands, we are trying to do everything that pleases the king. But while remaining stationary, we cannot always bring him pleasure. Let us now grasp our armour and weapons and mounting our chariots, go together and kill the Pandavas, who are roaming in the forest. When they have all been pacified and have left for the unknown journey, we and Dhritarashtra’s sons will be unchallenged. As long as they are distressed and as long as they are immersed in grief, as long as they are without allies, till then, we can do this. This is my view.” Having heard these words, they applauded them repeatedly. All of them then praised the suta’s son, saying that his words were excellent. Having said this, all those angry ones separately mounted their chariots. They then set out in a body, having made up their minds to kill the Pandavas.

(Page 1110-1111,The Mahabharata, Kindle Edition).

It is Karna who thinks up of this plan. All along, as in the Vastraharan, Duryodhana and his brothers follow Karna. What happens next? Duryodhan gets cursed by a Rishi, it seems, according to canon, that if he doesn’t make peace with the Pandavas, Bheem will kill him. 

Something that strikes me is that, Karna, who asks Arjun to be fair to him at the end, clearly doesn’t care about fairness when it comes to his own actions at all. He never challenged the Pandavas when they were in an equal position to him. No, he waits till they are cheated and exiled to do that.

After that comes the Parva in which Bheem kills Baka’s brother, then comes Kirata Parva, in which Arjun gets celestial weapons, then Arjun goes to heaven, a lot of other things happen, but those are for another day.

For now, we shall go to the Ghosha-yatra parva.

In which, after hearing Dhritrashtra praise the Pandavas, Karna suggests showing off their cattle and wealth to the Pandavas.

Karna heard these words of Dhritarasthra. At an appropriate time, he spoke thus to Duryodhana. “O descendant of the Bharata lineage! You have exiled the brave Pandavas through your own valour. You now enjoy the earth alone, like the killer of Shambara in heaven. O lord of men! O king! All the kings of the east, south, west and north pay tribute to you. The blazing Lakshmi used to serve the Pandavas earlier. O king! But with your brothers, you have now won her. O king! The blazing prosperity that we earlier saw, for a short time, with Yudhishthira in Indraprastha, is now with you and he is oppressed by sorrow.

(Page 1636, The Mahabharata, Kindle Edition).

He continues in such a vein for some time, then comes to the point.

You have wealth and they are deprived of wealth. They are without prosperity and you are full of prosperity. O king! Go and see the sons of Pandu. Let the Pandavas behold you like Nahusha’s son Yayati, with great splendour and established in great fortune. O lord of the earth! This prosperity, that well-wishers and ill-wishers see in a radiant man, is considered to be real power. Like a man who stands on a mountain and looks down on earth, what happiness can there be that is greater than being on plain ground while one’s foes are on uneven terrain? O tiger among kings! The birth of a son or the obtaining of a kingdom does not bring as much bliss as seeing one’s enemies in misery. What happiness will there not be, on being successful oneself, and on seeing Dhananjaya attired in bark and skins? Let your wives, attired in excellent garments, see the miserable Krishna, attired in bark and skins, and thereby increase her grief.

(Page 1637, the Mahabharata, Kindle Edition).

Here, Karna is the one who comes up with the idea of the Ghoshayatra. He specifically speaks of seeing the grief of Krishna (Draupadi) and Dhananjaya (Arjun), not of any other Pandava, even Duryodhana’s bitterest enemy, Bheema. It is clear that he is in this for his own motivations. 

(Also, Karna/Draupadi shippers, including published authors, have NO respect in my eyes, after Vastraharan, and then this clear indication that he just wants her grief and pain.)

‘When King Duryodhana heard Karna’s words, he was extremely delighted. But he again became sad and spoke these words. “O Karna! What you have told me has always been in my mind. But I will not obtain permission to go to where the Pandavas are. Dhritarashtra, lord of the earth, always mourns for those brave ones. Because of the power of their austerities, he considers the Pandavas to be superior. I will obtain great pleasure if I see Bhima and Phalguna,  together with Krishna, miserable in the forest. The pleasure that I will get from winning the earth is less than that from seeing the sons of Pandu, clad in bark and skins. O Karna! What joy can be greater than the sight of Drupada’s daughter Droupadi, clad in red  garments in the forest? If Dharmaraja, Bhimasena and Pandava see me united with this supreme prosperity, it is worth living.

(Page 1638, The Mahabharata, Kindle Edition).

It is Duryodhana who mentions Bheema, his own prime enemy, along with the other Pandavas. (This is more of a personal interpretation, but Draupadi seems like an afterthought to me, here.) This addition is credited to my beta/co-writer @medhasree

This is what happens next. 

Having reached Lake Dvaitavana, the vanguard of the army of Dhritrarashtra’s son was about to enter the forest, but was restrained at the gate by the gandharvas. O lord of the earth! O king! Surrounded by his masses, the king of the gandharvas had already arrived there from Kubera’s abode. He was in the habit of sporting with masses of apsaras and the sons of the thirty gods and had therefore barred entry to the lake. O king! When the king’s servants found that the lake had been barred, they returned to King Duryodhana. On hearing their words, Kouravya dispatched his war-crazy soldiers to evict the others. On hearing the words of the king, the soldiers in the vanguard went to Lake Dvaitavana and spoke to the gandharvas. “King Duryodhana, Dhritarashtra’s strong son, has come here to sport. Leave this place.” O lord of the earth! Having been thus addressed, the gandharvas laughed. They replied to those men in harsh words. “Your king Suyodhana is evil in his intelligence. How can he command us, as if we are his servants? We are inhabitants of heaven. There is no doubt that you are evil in wisdom, since you are heading towards death. You have lost your senses if you repeat his orders to us.

(Page 1642, The Mahabharata, Kindle Edition).

Basically, Duryodhana’s armies are attacked by Gandharvas. At first, Karna fights.

‘On seeing the gandharvas swiftly descend on them with raised weapons, the sons of Dhritarashtra could be seen to flee in all the directions. On seeing that the sons of Dhritarashtra were fleeing from the field of battle, the brave Vaikartana was the only one who wasn’t reluctant to do battle. On seeing the great army of gandharvas descend on him, Radheya repulsed them with a mighty shower of arrows.

(Page 1643, The Mahabharata, Kindle Edition).

Then, when the Gandharvas attack him with renewed strength, this happens.

‘O king! Being thus oppressed by a great army, they were frightened. They fled the field of battle and went to where King Yudhishthira was, seeking refuge with him. Everywhere, the soldiers of the sons of Dhritarashtra were being destroyed. O king! Vaikartana Karna was the only one who stood immobile like a mountain. Duryodhana, Karna and Shakuni Soubala were severely wounded in the field of battle, but kept fighting the gandharvas. With a desire to kill Karna in battle, hundreds and thousands of gandharvas rushed collectively towards him. Holding a sword and a shield in his hand, the son of the suta jumped down from the chariot. He leapt onto Vikarna’s chariot and whipped the horses, so that he might escape.’(Page 1645, The Mahabharata, Kindle Edition). 

When the army of Gandharvas begins to attack Karna in earnest, he runs away, taking Vikarna’s chariot. What about his loyalty to Duryodhana, who is still fighting? In the end, it is ironic that Karna wanted to gloat to the Pandavas, yet his men and Duryodhan’s go grovelling to the Pandavas for the sake of saving Duryodhana. Of course, Karna needs no saving. He has already run away. 

What happens next? Yudhisthir dispatches Bheem and Arjun for that purpose. (He is forever ready to dispatch his brothers to do things, not so ready to do things himself.)

A lengthy battle occurs. I would have given citations, but this is already too long, just comment if you want them, I’ll either DM or reblog. ).

Along with Bheem and the twins, Arjun  fights the Gandharvas, defeats them, finds out that he knew the Gandharva King from his trip to heaven after a lengthy battle in which he injures the said Gandharva King, lets his friend go, they talk, and Arjun leaves with Duryodhana.

Where was the vauntingly loyal Karna then? Seeing to his own safety, something that gets him scathingly scolded by Bhishma.  

But Duryodhana still believes in his friend, still defends him, even when he is suicidal, he allows Karna to talk him out of it.

The last citation I would like to show is of Virata Parva.

This has two parts.

First, it is Karna who asks Duryodhan to attack Matsya, not because they have found that the Pandavas are there, but because it is ‘ripe for the taking after Keechak’s death’. Keechak, by the way, is a Suta. Where did the ‘breaking caste-barrier hero’ Karn go then, if not to defend the Kingdom deprived of the general who was a Suta? Oh, he went to rob their cows.

The idea is put forward by King Susharma of Trigarta, yeah, the King of those guys who become the army of Sampatakas later and swear a vow of either killing Arjun or dying themselves. Arjun being who he is, of course, they die, but they do manage to keep him away from the Chakravyuh. 

‘King Susharma of Trigata, the leader of a large number of chariots, had been repeatedly defeated earlier by Kichaka, the suta of the Matsyas, accompanied by the Salveyakas. When the time was right, that lord swiftly spoke these words of grave import. O lord! His forces, together with those of his relatives, had earlier been defeated by that powerful one. He now looked at Karna and spoke to Duryodhana. “In earlier times, using his greater powers, the king of Matsya oppressed my kingdom. The powerful Kichaka was his general. The evil-souled one was terrible and invincible and was famous on earth because of his valour. That wicked and cruel one has now been killed by the gandharvas. O king! On his being killed, it is my view that Virata has lost his insolence and is without endeavour and without refuge. O unblemished one! If it pleases you, let me, all the Kouravas and the great-souled Karna go there.

(Page 1849, The Mahabharata, Kindle Edition).

Immediately after Susharma’s dialogue, Karna says this:

‘On hearing these words, Karna told the king, “Susharma has spoken words that are appropriate to the occasion and they are for our welfare. Let our forces yoke their mounts and swiftly march out. O unblemished one! Let us arrange our forces, or whatever else that you desire. Consult with the wise elders among the Kurus, our grandfather, the preceptor Drona and Sharadvan’s son, Kripa. Do what all of them think and let us advance. We should advance quickly and overpower that lord of the earth. What do we have to do with the Pandavas? They are weak in riches, forces and manliness. They have either been destroyed, or have reached Yama’s abode. O king! Let us attack Virata’s kingdom without any anxiety. Let us grab his cattle and his many other riches.” 

(Page 1850, The Mahabharata, Kindle Edition).

Here, Karna explicitly says “What do we have to do with the Pandavas?” So he has ceased caring about them, he assumes they are dead. Still, Matsya, which is no enemy Kingdom of the Kurus, he is open to attacking, as they have lost their general. The Pandavas have nothing to do with this.

This is what happens right after Karna’s words.

Duryodhana swiftly accepted Vaikartana  Karna’s words. He himself instructed Duhshasana, who was always devoted to his commands. “Consult with the elders and swiftly yoke the army. As instructed, we will go there, with all the Kouravas. As instructed, let maharatha King Susharma also go there, with all his forces and vehicles. Let him go to Matysa first, but concealing his intentions. We will follow him, but a day later. Preparing ourselves well, we will advance towards Matsya’s territory. Suddenly arriving in Virata’s city, we will swiftly subdue the cowherds and take away their great riches. There are hundreds of thousands of handsome cattle, with all the qualities. We will divide our forces into two and rob him of these.” O lord of the earth! As commanded, Susharma marched in a south-eastern direction. He began to rob the cattle on the seventh lunar day of dharmapaksha.  O king! On the following day, the eighth day, all the Kouravas joined forces and robbed thousands of cowsheds.’

(Page 1850, The Mahabharata, Kindle Edition).

Again, it explicitly says “Duryodhana swiftly accepted Vaikartana Karna’s words” not Susharma’s. It is Duryodhana and Duhshasana who obey Karna and not the other way round.

So, they go to Virat. Susharma robs the cattle, the herder goes to the King. The King assembles his army, including four Pandava brothers (except Arjun, who is in Brihannala disguise) and goes to confront them. Matsya manages to retrieve their cattle, but at that time, Duryodhana’s men invade the citadel of Matsya.

Uttar boasts that, with an able charioteer, he will defeat everyone, like Arjun himself (it is Arjun mentioned here as a great warrior, none else), in front of Panchali, who, feathers ruffled, tells him that Brihannala was Arjun’s charioteer. Uttaraa goes to get him. Uttar praises him and Arjun. (I am seriously laughing at this by now, I mean, imagine what Arjun would be thinking) Arjun pretends he has no idea how to wear armor, Uttar helps him, Uttara asks him to bring the defeated men’s garments, Arjun nods assent, they go to the army, Uttar freaks, Arjun pursues him, goads him, motivates him, asks him to withdraw Arjun’s weapons from a Shami tree. Uttar asks who he is, Arjun gives his detailed introduction, detailing some of his exploits, (explicitly because Uttar asks), they go back.

 (This meta is already getting too long, but if anyone wants those citations, comment, I’ll give them as a reblog)  

By this time, the Kurus, especially Dron and Bhishm, are advising Duryodhana to retreat as Arjun is here. Karna, characteristically, pooh-poohs at it.

This is what he says:

“I see that all you honourable ones  are frightened and terrified. All of you do not wish to fight and are standing idly. Whether it is the king of Matsya or Bibhatsu who has come, I will restrain him, the way the shoreline holds back the abode of makaras.  Arrows with straight feathers will be shot from my bow and they will not be repulsed, like gliding snakes. They have golden tufts and are extremely sharp at the tip. Released from my hand, these arrows will cover Partha, like locusts covering a tree. These winged shafts will firmly strike against the string of the bow, and the sound of the slapping of palms will be like that of a kettledrum. Bibhatsu has concentrated for eight and five years  and is fondly looking forward to a battle in which he will strike me. Kounteya, with the qualities of a brahmana, is the right receptacle to receive thousands of arrows shot by me. This great archer is famous in the worlds. O best of the Kurus! But in no way am I inferior to Arjuna. I will release these golden arrows, shafted with the feathers of vultures, and the sky will seem to be covered with fireflies. I gave my word to Dhritarashtra’s son  earlier and I will repay that debt today. I will kill Arjuna today.

(Page 1875, The Mahabharata, Kindle Edition).

This is nearly half of his long-winded praise of his own self. Note the words “In no way am I inferior to Arjuna.” Does that hold true? Let us see.

This is what he does when the battle starts.

Vaikartana, the suta’s son, exhibited his valour, like a king of elephants displaying his tusks, or like a tiger attacking a large buffalo. Vaikartana attacked Pandava with twelve arrows. He pierced the bodies of all the horses and that of Virata’s son with those arrows. It was like a king among elephants being struck by an elephant. He  took out sharp arrows from his quiver and stretching the string of the bow right up to his ear, pierced the body of the suta’s son with his arrows. With arrows unleashed like lightning from his bow, the destroyer of enemies pierced him in battle, in the arms, the thighs, the head, the forehead, the neck and in all the parts of the chariot. Thus wounded by the arrows shot by Partha, and scorched by Pandava’s arrows, like a swift elephant that has been defeated by another elephant, Vaikartana fled from the forefront of the battle.’

(Page 1885, the Mahabharata, Kindle Edition). 

He flees. And this is just the abridged version. If anyone wants the detailed one, again, comment or DM.

For all those who credit Krishn with all of Arjun’s victories with Karna, note that canonically, Krishn is not even in a 100-mile radius of Arjun right now. Yet, Arjun wins. Karna runs, along with a division of his infantry. From one (1) man on a chariot.

That brings me almost to the end of the meta.

I’d like to end by stating that, even after this, Duryodhan stuck to Karna. Even when Karna does not fight for 10 days in Kurukshetra, Duryodhan fights. Even when Karna, repeatedly, abandons Duryodhana and his army, either against Arjun or to be saved by Arjun, Duryodhana believes in him. Above all, Duryodhana obeys Karna, not the other way around. 

The virtues of generosity (Duryodhana gifts Karna Anga, a gift for which he got precious little, Anga was canonically turned into a hotbed of debauchery), loyalty (Duryodhana believes in Karna, no matter what, in spite of his repeated failures and fleeing from his greatest enemy, Arjun and by extension, the Pandavas) and obedience (It has been demonstrated amply that after Lakshagriha, nearly every plan to dispose of the Pandavas that goes awry is Karna’s brainchild and not Duryodhana’s) belongs to Duryodhan, not the much vaunted and glorified Karna. 

Finis.

[writerspink]

K-12 Words

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1.1

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1.2

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2.1

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2.2

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3.1

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3.2

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4.1

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4.2

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5.1

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5.2

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6.1

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6.2

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7.1

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7.2

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8.1

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8.2

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9.1

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9.2

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10.1

install reticent corroborate regretfully strength murder concise cunning intention holy satire query confused progression disillusion background mundane abrupt multiple enormously introduce emulate harmful pragmatic pity rebut liberate enthusiastic elucidate camaraderie disparage nature creep profitability impression racist sobriety occupy autonomy currently amiable reiterate reproduce cripple modest offer atom provincial augment ungratefully expansion yield rashly allude immigration silence epitome exacerbate somber avid dispute vindicate collaborate manufacturer embellish superficial propaganda incompetent objective diminish statistics endure ambivalent perpetuate illuminate phenomenon exasperate originality restrict anxiety anthropology circumstances aesthetic manufacturing conventional dubious vulnerable reality precedent entity success term critical repair underscore stepmother republican hesitantly classic wary contents prediction immediate invoke notorious implicit excluding input skeptical foster element punish frank humanity profound dessert orthodox substance disappear encourage neighborhood elder superfluous naive ascertain complacent resilient deafening military tend prudent glare acceptance skillfully induce monster beam gullible conciliate vessel petty cantankerous disclose archaeology anecdote disdain electronics substantiate subjective tourism advisable joyful incredible provocative psychological ruins discipline condone indifferent misfortune judgmental industrialize tasty assume astute mission mar protective definitely escape oppress shocked virtual zealous endorse qualification hostile eccentric abstract disparate geographical scrutinize generalization tolerate activity claim dogmatic influential obsolete extol implausible subsequent resource chronic benevolent improve confidential ambiguous seriously dearth perplex hatred throughout dine contemporary evoke essentially economic flagrant obscure alleviate eloquent dreaadful clumsy sympathy victim condemn vigor condescend spontaneous quell reprehensible substantially sleeve equivocal ironic decry errand articulate progressive eradicate refreshments elicit aspiration recently exemplary bribery theoretical disingenuous partisan revere particle nostalgia self-aggrandizement debunk tyranny rhetoric hierarchy warning whimsical venerate commend assert miserable awful vibe constrain undermine explicit differentiate compliment scrupulous contempt erroneous ideal refute imply cynical rash presume insight revival vary delay renounce indignant offensive temperate circumstantial export peep logo advertise suppress distort chunk convoluted denounce overwhelming fertility rigorous acquire arrogant university antagonize profitable indulgent strategic breathing idiosyncrasy profession frugal discern accommodation adversary incredulous disturbance digress social belie roam smug continual pertinent voluntarily elite subtle blame sincerity lick horror censure involvement candid infer futile impetuous exploit bewilder sustain diligent sincere protect sealed musical empathy callous parenthetical insure acorn sarcasm seize sacrificially allege emphatic irrelevant progress diplomatic stunned improvise deride reconcile meticulous deject scientifically incontrovertible pressure justify gloomy depict supplant endurance analogous diary bolster slip contemplate pesticide glow religious advocate negligent creator lament fundamental embrace throne inherent inferior valuable thrive trivial pretense reserved capricious refresh refusal flight boost explanation coherent prevalent tenacious official royalty assassin rub poach delete

10.2

warrant circumscribed somewhat explosive optimistic mandate previously detract opinion intuitive feasible intimate persistent humble simplicity tempt deliberate painful unethical fundamentals discrepancy remorse pessimistic possibility conclusion acknowledge impregnate soberly creation paralyze suitability oblige tranquil medal arbitrate pacify illusory susceptible vibrate vengeance infection democratic stressful grave speculative sample identification stifle obligation revenge organization namely mediocre practical scream weaken consensus affectionate deficient treacherous console isolation ingenious memory melodrama despair awestruck composition regret recommendation celebrity decision devoid opaque ornamentation longevity participate dread restore interrogate aid accordingly mislead embarrassment optimism domestic apt funds virtue geography fundamentally thoroughly press despite horrible chilling rental esteemed disappointment innovative contemplation assign popularize haunt deafen serene percent estrangement suffer extravagant throng estimate comment priesthood mass dreadfully promote periphery animated saying relate clarity triple derivative succeed distortion register suicide improvement discreet inquisition probable curative incident praise convenience baffle covet dreadful genuinely weary undisturbed disgruntled humility renown nonchalant monopoly comedy vague decisive inconsequential announcement fabricated nevertheless vigilant scarce neglectful hushed attainment tedious explode snatch pslm agency sentimental tension adhere meanwhile sacred avert conformity likewise challenger accessible responsibility peril contact event roast fallible catastrophic competitor violate resolute deceive exaggeration discredit intolerable approve paste dimly novelist demeanor norm politician satisfaction obvious vehicle reservation defer involve restoration crush audible assistant backpack attain inanimate commemorate confrontation emigration parasite disperse quantitative laughter policy vulgar occasionally repay effective eulogy starvation empty therapeutic overall immortal encompass inappropriate opportune engagement illustrate turmoil observatory classification expression reminiscence comedian invention depress remedy protagonist gesture texture diplomatic election prolong conducive emotional invigorate curiosity expressive %

K-12 Words was originally published on PinkWrite

[altertonative]

9 BEST TIPS FOR FUTURE TRAVEL BLOGGERS

A few weeks ago I wrote about how to start a travel blog (you can read this post HERE), because I have repeatedly encountered this question in emails, in messengers, or even in private from people who were also curious about what my beginnings looked like. Anyway, it surprised me how many people hesitate to start a blog. They are mainly restrained by uncertainty related to the unknown results, considerable amount of work and time they would have to invest, unavoidable criticism of some readers and saturation of the blogging market. Despite the above, there are people who decide to set up a blog and it is them who support and dedicate today's entry. The following advice is not to discover a wonderful recipe and it will not guarantee success, but it shows the best things to focus on and invest your time in. Sometimes it's worth recalling the obvious at a first glance standards, to make sure that we are heading with our blog in the right direction.

In my experience, the changes happen every day in the blogosphere, so you have to keep your finger on the pulse and constantly learn to be up to date. Unfortunately, on our way there is also a whole lot of useless information that encourages to invest a lot of time, and ultimately not bring any concrete results. How to defend against them? Using some of the following tips, of course! So if you take your blog seriously and you care about its success, be sure to read the text below and start implementing!

1. TAKE CARE OF THE STYLE AND THE VISUAL SITE OF THE BLOG!

Nobody likes to check themselves, but unfortunately it is necessary in blogging. Therefore, don’t leave writing text at the last minute. Write it and give yourself at least a day to get some distance. Then go back to what has come out from under your fingers and see if everything is correct, whether the syntax is correct and creates a meaningful whole, whether there are no missing dots, commas and whether there are no spelling mistakes or typos. Look for your own style, which doesn’t necessarily have to be in the form of an original narrative; maybe your trademark will be a specific font, headline or paragraph layout? Don’t exaggerate with fantasy, because your post must remain readable and not distract from the most important, that is, the content itself. On the other hand, the graphic design, layout and photos you place on the blog can have a great impact, and sometimes can even be crucial in getting a loyal reader, which leads to another super important advice...

2. LEARN TO TAKE AMAZING PICTURES!

To be honest, photographers usually don’t set up blogs, rather more or less aspiring writers do. However, to stand out from hundreds, like not thousands of travel blogs, you have to post photos on blog posts, and not just any photos, but great ones. OK, not everyone has an artistic eye, but the basics of photography can be easily learned from videos on YouTube. And here there is no room for excuses. It is also good to invest in a better camera, although in the era of fancy mobile phones, it is not necessary if you only have great ideas. However, it's worth considering the photo editing program and spending more money there in the first place. And what about the practice? There is no other way than to just take pictures - the more, the better. Shoot the flash at every step, and then verify what looks better and what is worse. You can also ask your friends which pictures attract their attention - certainly other than you would have thought ;)

3. SET UP ONE PUBLICATION DATE AND PLAN, PLAN, PLAN, PLAN!

Think of your blog as a morning newspaper, which your readers will always read at the same time. Making a habit in people return to your site for more is really important. If they know when something new appears on the blog, they'll be more likely to regularly check it, even if the topic doesn’t particularily interest them. Remind them of newly published posts on social media, and probably these media will become the gateway to the blog, which will increase the media traffic and ranges by the way. Analyzes show that there is no perfect day and time to publish, as they depend on the characteristics of the people who follow you. At the beginning, you can go a little crazy and look for a timing that is perfect for your readers. It must also be appropriate for you, because you do not want to take a night out during the week, or give up on Tuesday's activities to write a post, do you? For me, the perfect day turned out to be Sunday, which I chose, because one of my favorite YouTube videos also published videos on that day. It turned out to be a hit, because a lot of people visit my blog on Sunday before noon, and besides, if I didn’t manage to finish everything in the middle of the week, I can do it on Saturday, which usually is a day off for me (cleaning and cooking can wait;)) And one more thing: you don’t have to create new content all the time! Perhaps you only need to publish it once or twice a month? It is better to give yourself more time in the beginning and then increase the frequency rather than in the other direction.

Once you have chosen the time of publication, please take the time to plan the topics of your posts. Brainstorm and write down everything that comes to your mind - some things may prove to be useless, but you will definitely benefit from the rest. It is worth to prepare a list of universal themes, that is, the ones you can use at any time - an example is even this post ;) It doesn’t matter if I publish it in March, August or November, because it will always be up to date. Ideally, you could write a few extra entries to use them in difficult times, for example during illness, lack of inspiration or long holidays. Of course, bloggers are not robots and have the right to take a break, so as long as it doesn’t become your routine, don’t make it too harsh on yourself!

4. PROMOTE YOURSELF!

The best way to reach the right reader is to promote your content in social media. Invest in advertising from the very beginning. Don’t go crazy with the budget, just test what works and what does not. Facebook and Instagram provide you with all the data you need to create the right ad. Take time to analyze them and then think about what could appeal to people who visit your blog most eagerly? With this foundation, design an ad without giving up your style, because it will make you stand out. When you notice that something works, try to invest a little more and for a longer period of time - the effects will pleasantly surprise you :)

5. WRITE ABOUT EVERYTHING!

Not literally ... just do not belittle the rank of trips to a nearby forest, a lake, another city or even a local museum, and you'll be surprised how popular they can become! We know it would be great to write about long journeys to other continents, but let's face it: you probably will not be able to spend two weeks a month in the Caribbean, or half a year in India, and above all, if your target is not a wealthy heir, it will not be possible for most of your readers. People like to read about things that are for them to reach. It's like with clothes: it's nice to take a look at luxury, branded clothes, maybe even buy one thing at a discount for the majority of savings, but we will usually look for these high-street native brands. My blog works in a similar way and the most popular posts are those from the series Alternatively through Poland, not the fancy Seychelles.

6. DON’T write WHEN YOU TRAVEL!

When travelling, are you tempted to sit down in the evening and write down everything that happened that day? Preferably in the form of an article to be able to publish it as quickly as possible and then share it immediately? You have so many ideas, lots of inspiration around, and you don’t want to forget anything! Great, but it’s so much better to go for an evening walk on the beach, talk to a lady from the local information office, or try an exotic drink whose name doesn’t tell you anything. Seize the voice recorder (every phone has it!) and record what is the most important. Take the camera not to forget the view of the sunset at the ocean, because even if the photo is not good enough to be later published on the blog, it will remind you the emotions accompanying that moment. And simply enjoy it, live it, without thinking that Instagram will go crazy about your pics tomorrow.

7. LET SEO BE YOUR GOD!

SEO is like a Bible for bloggers, so don’t waste any more time, just learn about keywords and positioning pages as much as possible! It is worth reading about the basics of SEO, e.g. on Google. Remember to write texts so that they appear as high as possible in Google search. And more about SEO will appear on my blog soon! :)

8. connect!  

Your friends most probably don’t understand your fascination with blogging. In fact, they are wondering why you are constantly posting holiday pictures on Facebook? Perhaps they think it’s enough of this bragging, eh? Well, all you need is blogger friends! No, not to like and comment your posts...although they may be useful here, of course, if they are happy to it unwillingly. In the group, strength is also reflected in the blogosphere, and despite the fact that it sometimes meets with criticism, I think it is a good idea to promote and support each other. So instead of criticizing and getting jealous of amazing travels from your blog colleagues, comment on their posts and then come back to comment and like more! This selflessness will pay you back with a vengeance. Do not, however, force it, just look for accounts at a similar level and start working with those that you think are worth it. Why not get to know bloggers in real life? Blog festivals are a great opportunity for this, more and more often organized in larger cities. Last year I had the opportunity to participate in one and in addition to the invaluable knowledge I gained, I also got some contacts. But this year the situation has reversed and for the first time I will meet with a person I only know from Instagram. Not bad, huh? :)

9. GET INSPIRED, DON’T COPY!

Last but very important advice. Remember that a few are going dry boldly copying (David Bowie is an exception!), so try to at least change some details if you can not resist inserting something similar to something that already exists on the Internet or wherever (and you know it well!). Inspiration doesn’t mean copying word by word, but it’s an attempt to recreate something that we like in our own style. And keep it! And the more extraordinary you are, the more original and unique followers you will gain. And such a great collective of people is the faithful and not easy to bribe. That's what I wish you! :)

If you are already at the end, I congratulate you! With such knowledge it's easier to get together and start working. It is not always easy and pleasant, but without trying, you will not find out whether blogging is something for you or not. I would like to know one proper way to run a successful blog, but unfortunately such doesn’t exist, so you have to find your own way to success. And maybe this is the uncertainty and at the same time the freedom that attracts so many people to the blogosphere? In the end, you can always give up, actually losing nothing ;) I warn you, however, that if you once devour this teaser, you will not be able to free yourself from it xD

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