Karna - The voice of Subaltern. & Themes

This blog is written in response to the thinking activity assigned by Megha Ma'am, teaching assistant at the department of English, MKBU.

Karna: The Voice of the Subaltern in Dinkar’s Rashmirathi

 Introduction

In the context of subaltern studies, Karna stands as one of the most complex and tragically heroic figures in Indian epic literature. Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s poetic retelling of his life in Rashmirathi provides a nuanced portrayal of Karna as a subaltern hero—one whose life is shaped by societal oppression, discrimination, and the quest for identity. Drawing from Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak’s foundational work on Subaltern Theory, which focuses on the silencing of marginalized voices, we see how Dinkar reinterprets Karna’s journey through a lens of caste-based oppression and social marginalization. Additionally, T.P. Kailasam’s play Karna offers a dramatic representation of Karna’s subaltern status, further expanding on the hero's position in literature as a figure fighting against societal constraints.

Karna’s Background: The Marginalized Hero

Karna’s life begins with exclusion. Born to Kunti and abandoned due to the stigma attached to illegitimate births, Karna is raised by a charioteer family, thus carrying the identity of a Suta Putra—a low-born individual. Despite his noble qualities and immense prowess, his life is a continuous battle for recognition, which is denied to him because of his caste.

As Spivak argues, the subaltern is someone who is denied agency in the narrative of history (Spivak 24). Karna’s exclusion from the dominant power structures of the Mahabharata, especially in critical moments like Draupadi’s swayamvara, exemplifies his subaltern status. His participation in the archery contest is rejected on the basis of caste, not merit, illustrating the oppressive nature of caste-based exclusion that resonates with contemporary discussions of social justice and equality.

 Rashmirathi: Dinkar’s Poetic Reimagining of Karna

In Rashmirathi, Dinkar positions Karna as a hero who fights against societal norms and caste-based discrimination. Through Dinkar’s verses, Karna’s emotional struggle becomes central to the narrative, as the poet delves into Karna’s feelings of being an outsider and his deep desire for respect and recognition (Dinkar 15). Despite his exceptional qualities, Karna is denied entry into the higher echelons of society because of his Suta lineage.

 Karna’s Identity Crisis

Dinkar explores Karna’s search for identity, making his journey more than a personal battle; it becomes a reflection of the struggle faced by those marginalized by caste and societal structures. The poem’s critique of caste-based discrimination is evident in the scenes where Karna, despite being the best archer, is humiliated for his low birth. This portrayal mirrors the subaltern experience of being silenced or excluded from dominant power structures.

Dinkar’s critique of societal hierarchy places Karna as a representative of those who are denied their rightful place in society due to factors beyond their control—such as birth.  The emotional and psychological impact of this exclusion is a recurring theme in Rashmirathi, as Karna’s feelings of isolation mirror the struggles of those marginalized by caste and other forms of social oppression.

 Karna as a Subaltern Hero: Key Themes

 1. Caste Discrimination

The portrayal of caste discrimination is central to Karna’s characterization in both Rashmirathi and Kailasam’s Karna. Karna is excluded from significant opportunities simply because of his birth as a Suta. As Spivak explains, subalterns are defined by their lack of access to power and their marginalization within a society’s dominant structures (Spivak 73). This exclusion extends beyond personal rejection, symbolizing the broader institutionalized oppression faced by marginalized groups.

In Rashmirathi, Karna’s exclusion from Draupadi’s swayamvara and his subsequent humiliation by Arjuna exemplify this. His talents and virtues are overshadowed by the prejudices that society holds against his caste. Dinkar uses this to critique the rigidity of the caste system and advocate for social justice, reflecting the broader concerns of subaltern studies.

 

 2. Loyalty and Friendship

Karna’s loyalty to Duryodhana, despite his moral dilemmas, is another key theme in his portrayal as a subaltern hero. Duryodhana’s acceptance of Karna despite his caste serves as a rare instance of non-discriminatory friendship in Karna’s life. However, this friendship also ties Karna to the side of adharma (injustice), reflecting the subaltern’s tragic position of being forced to align with morally questionable figures due to their need for acceptance and support (Dinkar 54).

In T.P. Kailasam’s play Karna, this dynamic is further emphasized. Karna’s unwavering loyalty to Duryodhana, who offers him the kingship of Anga, complicates his internal conflicts as he knows he is siding with a flawed leader. Kailasam’s Karna is emotionally torn between his loyalty to Duryodhana and his recognition of the moral complexities of his choices (Kailasam 72).

 

 Emotional Depth in Rashmirathi and Karna

One of the most compelling aspects of Dinkar’s portrayal of Karna is the emotional depth with which his internal conflicts are explored. Karna’s loneliness, his desire for acceptance, and his struggle with his sense of duty to Duryodhana all create a complex emotional portrait that invites empathy. Dinkar’s verses highlight the moments of emotional vulnerability in Karna’s life, making him a relatable figure for readers (Dinkar 128).

Kailasam’s Karna also delves deeply into the psychological dimensions of Karna’s character, portraying him as a man torn between his sense of right and wrong and his gratitude towards Duryodhana. This emotional complexity reflects the subaltern’s internalized conflict of being trapped in structures that deny them agency and force them into morally ambiguous positions (Kailasam 94).

 Conclusion: Karna as a Subaltern Figure

Karna’s portrayal in Rashmirathi and T.P. Kailasam’s Karna offers a powerful critique of societal norms and caste-based discrimination. As a subaltern hero, Karna embodies the struggle for recognition, dignity, and identity in a world that marginalizes and excludes him. Both Dinkar and Kailasam invite readers to reflect on the injustices perpetrated by social structures that prioritize birth and caste over merit and virtue.

Through their works, Karna emerges as a tragic but deeply heroic figure whose life symbolizes the resilience of the subaltern. His story remains relevant today, serving as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities in their fight for equality and recognition.