T.P. Kailasama’s The Curse or Karna

 T.P. Kailasama’s The Curse or Karna

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This blogpost is part of thinking activity on   T.P. Kailasama’s The Curse or Karna  given by Megha Ma'am, Department of English, MKBU. 

T.P. Kailasam

Tyagraj Paramasiva Iyer Kailasam (Kannada: 29 July 1884 – 1946), was an Indian playwright and prominent writer in the Kannada literature. Literary criticism in Kannada literature is said to have started for the first time by Kailasam in his works.

The curse or karna 

The Curse or Karna is a play by T.P. Kailasam that summarizes the life of Karna from the Mahabharata in five acts. The play explores themes of caste conflict, marginalization, and subaltern identity. It portrays Karna as a tragic figure who was excluded from education and respect because of his low birth. The Curse or Karna was first published on September 10, 1946, and was republished in 1969.

1) Write a critical note on the class conflict and caste conflict in The Curse.

The Curse or Karna is a play that employs Subaltern theory to shed light on the character of Karna, who is often overlooked and marginalized in traditional tellings of the Mahabharata. Unlike other heroes of the epic, who are usually portrayed in a positive light, Karna endures numerous hardships throughout the play, despite being innocent in many of these situations. Central to the play is the exploration of caste and class systems, which play a significant role in Karna’s suffering.

In the very first act, we see how caste starts to shape Karna’s destiny. He learns archery from Raama, a teacher who instructs only Brahmins. In order to receive this training, Karna lies about his caste, claiming to be a Brahmin himself. Raama eventually discovers that Karna is not a Brahmin but assumes he is a Kshatriya (a warrior caste) based on an incident, and, feeling betrayed, curses Karna. What makes this event tragic is that Karna himself is unaware of his true caste identity. His actions were driven by the limitations imposed by caste barriers, which denied him opportunities, and yet, he is cursed for something beyond his control. This moment in the play illustrates how the caste system unjustly restricts individuals, even when they possess great potential.

Later, Karna faces further humiliation when he attempts to showcase his skills in a competition against Arjuna. Though he is highly skilled, Karna is reminded of his lower caste and told that only a king can challenge another king. Despite his abilities, Karna is once again pushed aside because of his birth status. This moment in the play emphasizes the rigid class divisions that exist in society, where one’s birth determines their worth rather than their talent or abilities. Similarly, at Draupadi’s swayamvar, Karna is insulted yet again. Draupadi rejects him not because of his lack of skill or character but because he is a “Soot Putra” or the son of a charioteer. Karna points out that Draupadi could have simply refused him without dishonoring his caste, but by openly mocking his low birth, she adds to his suffering and humiliation.

This recurring pattern of Karna being denied respect and opportunities due to his caste is central to the play's critique of societal structures. The playwright emphasizes that birth and caste, which are completely out of an individual’s control, have a significant impact on their life. Karna is repeatedly cursed and punished for things over which he has no say—his caste and his birth. This reflects the larger oppression faced by marginalized groups throughout history, especially in India. The play points out that this caste-based discrimination is not just a relic of the past but continues to be relevant in contemporary society as well.

Karna’s struggle culminates in his final battle during the Kurukshetra war, where he once again faces discrimination based on his caste. Despite being a better archer than Arjuna, Karna is reminded of his "low birth," and this affects his ability to succeed. Ultimately, he loses his life, not because of his lack of skill, but because of the deep-seated prejudice that follows him throughout his life. His tragic fate is a powerful commentary on how societal structures, especially the caste system, can prevent even the most capable individuals from achieving their full potential.

The play draws clear parallels to Subaltern theory, particularly as described by Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, who focuses on how marginalized voices are often silenced or ignored. Karna’s story is a perfect example of this, as his abilities and potential are overshadowed by his caste. The play also resonates with the modern-day struggles against caste discrimination in India. Films like Jai Bhim and Article 15 explore how casteism still affects people in India, showing that the issues Karna faced are not confined to ancient times. Caste-based discrimination continues to persist, making the play highly relevant to contemporary audiences.

Through this portrayal, Karna, often considered an unsung hero in the Mahabharata, is given the recognition he deserves. His story is not just one of personal suffering, but a broader reflection of how societal structures continue to oppress individuals based on their caste. The play highlights how these themes of caste, discrimination, and injustice remain deeply embedded in modern Indian society. Karna’s character serves as a symbol of the many people who continue to suffer because of their birth, and the play offers a compelling critique of the ongoing inequalities in the world today.

2) Discuss the Various themes found in “The Curse or Karna”.

T.P. Kailasam’s The Curse or Karna is a five-act play that explores profound themes from the Mahabharata, focusing on the tragic hero Karna. Written with the aim of presenting a more humanized and subaltern perspective on Karna’s life, the play delves into various complex themes such as caste and class struggles, fate, identity, loyalty, heroism, and the moral dilemmas individuals face within society.

1. Caste and Class Struggles:

One of the central themes of the play is the rigid caste system and the struggles that come with being born into a lower caste. Karna, though a great warrior and a person of immense potential, faces discrimination and exclusion due to his supposed low birth as the son of a charioteer. Despite his abilities, society refuses to accept him as a true Kshatriya (warrior class). The play highlights how societal structures based on birth can limit individuals, regardless of their merits or virtues. Karna's entire life is a battle against this prejudice, and his struggles reflect the broader issue of caste oppression prevalent in Indian society. The play thus brings out the injustices faced by marginalized groups, aligning with the subaltern theory, which focuses on the voices and struggles of the oppressed.

 2. Identity and Belonging:

Karna’s quest for identity is another major theme of the play. Throughout his life, he seeks recognition and acceptance, striving to prove his worth to a society that judges him solely based on his caste. He faces an inner conflict between his birth identity (as the son of a charioteer) and his true identity (as the eldest son of Kunti, and thus a Kshatriya by birth). This conflict drives much of his actions, as he longs for respect and a sense of belonging. The play highlights how caste-based discrimination warps an individual's sense of identity, leaving them caught between societal labels and personal truth. Karna’s tragic fate, where he remains unaware of his royal birth until it is too late, reinforces the irony and cruelty of a system that prioritizes birth over ability.

3. Fate and Destiny:

The theme of fate is intricately woven into the narrative of The Curse or Karna. From his birth to his death, Karna’s life seems dictated by fate. He is cursed multiple times—by his teacher Parashurama, by the earth goddess, and by others—which leads to his downfall. The title itself, The Curse, reflects the idea that Karna’s life is overshadowed by forces beyond his control. Despite his efforts, he is unable to escape his fate. The play raises the question of whether individuals can truly alter their destiny or if they are bound by forces outside their control. Karna's tragic fate, in spite of his virtues and strengths, adds to the fatalistic tone of the play, presenting life as a series of unavoidable challenges that even the noblest of individuals cannot overcome.

4. Loyalty and Betrayal:

Loyalty is a defining trait of Karna’s character, especially his unwavering allegiance to Duryodhana, who accepts him when the rest of society rejects him. Duryodhana offers Karna the kingdom of Anga, giving him the status and recognition he craves. Out of gratitude, Karna pledges his loyalty to Duryodhana, even when it pits him against his own brothers, the Pandavas. However, this loyalty is fraught with moral complexity, as Karna must choose between supporting his friend and doing what is right. The play also explores the theme of betrayal, particularly in the way society betrays Karna by refusing to acknowledge his true worth. Even his mother, Kunti, betrays him by abandoning him at birth, only to reveal his true parentage when it is too late to change his allegiance. These themes of loyalty and betrayal reflect the emotional and ethical struggles Karna faces throughout his life.

 5. Heroism and Morality:

Karna is portrayed as a tragic hero in the play. He possesses all the qualities of a great warrior—courage, skill, generosity, and honor—but his heroism is constantly undermined by the circumstances of his birth and the societal prejudices he faces. The play raises questions about what it means to be a hero. Is heroism determined by one’s actions and character, or is it a privilege granted to those born into the right class or family? Karna’s moral dilemmas further complicate his heroism. He often finds himself torn between his loyalty to Duryodhana and his inner sense of justice. For instance, he is aware that Duryodhana’s cause is not entirely just, but his loyalty binds him to fight against the Pandavas. Karna’s internal conflicts highlight the tension between personal morality and societal expectations, making him a deeply tragic figure.

6. Conflict between Personal Desires and Societal Expectations:

Karna’s personal desires often clash with societal expectations. On the one hand, he desires to be recognized for his skills and to rise above his caste. On the other hand, society expects him to remain within the confines of his birth. This tension drives much of the drama in the play, as Karna constantly struggles to assert his individuality against the rigid norms of the caste system. His ambition to prove himself as a warrior leads him to Parashurama, who trains him under the belief that Karna is a Brahmin. However, when Parashurama discovers Karna’s true caste, he curses him, reflecting how Karna’s personal aspirations are thwarted by societal rules. The play explores how societal structures often prevent individuals from realizing their full potential, forcing them to conform to roles that limit their growth.

7. Revenge and Forgiveness:

Revenge plays a key role in Karna’s life, especially in his relationship with the Pandavas. As the friend of Duryodhana, Karna harbors a deep animosity towards Arjuna, whom he sees as his rival. His desire for revenge against Arjuna becomes a driving force in his life, pushing him to participate in the great war of Kurukshetra. However, the play also touches on the theme of forgiveness, particularly in Karna’s interactions with Kunti, his mother. When Kunti reveals Karna’s true identity, she asks him to forgive her for abandoning him as a child and to join his brothers, the Pandavas. Although Karna refuses to switch sides, he forgives Kunti for her actions and promises not to harm any of the Pandavas except Arjuna. This moment of forgiveness adds a layer of complexity to Karna’s character, showing that despite the bitterness he harbors, he is still capable of compassion.

 8. Tragic Heroism:

At its core, The Curse or Karna portrays Karna as a tragic hero—a man who possesses great virtues but is doomed by circumstances beyond his control. Despite his courage, generosity, and skills as a warrior, Karna’s fate is sealed by the curses he receives and the societal prejudices he faces. His tragic flaw lies in his unshakable loyalty to Duryodhana and his desire for recognition, which ultimately lead to his downfall. The play’s portrayal of Karna as a tragic figure evokes a sense of sympathy and admiration, as the audience witnesses a man who strives for greatness but is repeatedly thwarted by fate.

In conclusion, The Curse or Karna by T.P. Kailasam is a profound exploration of the human condition, addressing themes such as caste, identity, fate, loyalty, and heroism. Through Karna’s story, the play critiques the injustices of the caste system and the moral complexities individuals face in their pursuit of honor and recognition. Karna’s struggles and ultimate tragedy resonate with universal themes of human suffering, making the play a timeless reflection on the challenges of navigating societal expectations and personal desires.

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