While the research interest in the Mahabharata remained, I got sidetracked into translating. Through the 1990s, there were abridged translations of the Maha Puranas, the Vedas and the eleven major Upanishads. I found that I enjoyed translating from the Sanskrit to English and since these volumes were well received, perhaps I did do a good job. With Penguin as publisher, I did a translation of the Bhagavad Gita, something I had always wanted to do. Sarama and Her Children, a book on attitudes towards dogs in India, also with Penguin, followed. I kept thinking about doing an unabridged translation of the Mahabharata and waited to muster up the courage. That courage now exists, though the task is daunting. With something like two million words and ten volumes expected, the exercise seems open-ended. But why translate the Mahabharata? In 1924, George Mallory, with his fellow climber Andrew Irvine, may or may not have climbed Mount Everest. They were last seen a few hundred metres from the summit, before they died. Mallory was once asked why he wanted to climb Everest and he answered, ‘Because it’s there.’ Taken out of context, there is no better reason for wanting to translate the Mahabharata. There is a steep mountain to climb. And I would not have dared had I not been able to stand on the shoulders of the three intellectual giants who have preceded me—Kisori Mohan Ganguli, Manmatha Nath Dutt and J.A.B. van Buitenen.
Bibek Debroy
Karna Parva
Karna Parva continues with the account of the war. After Drona’s death, Karna is instated as the commander of the Kourava army. Karna is the commander for two days, days sixteen and seventeen. In the 18–parva classification, Karna Parva is the eighth. In the 100–parva classification, Karna Parva constitutes Section 73. Karna Parva has sixty-nine chapters. In the numbering of the chapters in Karna Parva, the first number is a consecutive one, starting with the beginning of the Mahabharata. And the second number, within brackets, is the numbering of the chapter within Karna Parva.
SECTION SEVENTY-THREE
Karna-Vadha Parva
This parva has 3,870 shlokas and sixty-nine chapters.
Chapter 1151(1): 49 shlokas
Chapter 1152(2): 20 shlokas
Chapter 1153(3): 14 shlokas
Chapter 1154(4): 108 shlokas
Chapter 1155(5): 110 shlokas
Chapter 1156(6): 46 shlokas
Chapter 1157(7): 42 shlokas
Chapter 1158(8): 45 shlokas
Chapter 1159(9): 35 shlokas
Chapter 1160(10): 36 shlokas
Chapter 1161(11): 41 shlokas
Chapter 1162(12): 71 shlokas
Chapter 1163(13): 25 shlokas
Chapter 1164(14): 64 shlokas
Chapter 1165(15): 43 shlokas
Chapter 1166(16): 38 shlokas
Chapter 1167(17): 120 shlokas
Chapter 1168(18): 76 shlokas
Chapter 1169(19): 75 shlokas
Chapter 1170(20): 32 shlokas
Chapter 1171(21): 42 shlokas
Chapter 1172(22): 61 shlokas
Chapter 1173(23): 54 shlokas
Chapter 1174(24): 161 shlokas
Chapter 1175(25): 11 shlokas
Chapter 1176(26): 74 shlokas
Chapter 1177(27): 105 shlokas
Chapter 1178(28): 66 shlokas
Chapter 1179(29): 40 shlokas
Chapter 1180(30): 88 shlokas
Chapter 1181(31): 68 shlokas
Chapter 1182(32): 84 shlokas
Chapter 1183(33): 70 shlokas
Chapter 1184(34): 42 shlokas
Chapter 1185(35): 60 shlokas
Chapter 1186(36): 40 shlokas
Chapter 1187(37): 38 shlokas
Chapter 1188(38): 42 shlokas
Chapter 1189(39): 38 shlokas
Chapter 1190(40): 130 shlokas
Chapter 1191(41): 7 shlokas
Chapter 1192(42): 57 shlokas
Chapter 1193(43): 78 shlokas
Chapter 1194(44): 55 shlokas
Chapter 1195(45): 73 shlokas
Chapter 1196(46): 48 shlokas
Chapter 1197(47): 14 shlokas
Chapter 1198(48): 15 shlokas
Chapter 1199(49): 115 shlokas
Chapter 1200(50): 65 shlokas
Chapter 1201(51): 110 shlokas
Chapter 1202(52): 33 shlokas
Chapter 1203(53): 14 shlokas
Chapter 1204(54): 29 shlokas
Chapter 1205(55): 73 shlokas
Chapter 1206(56): 58 shlokas
Chapter 1207(57): 69 shlokas
Chapter 1208(58): 28 shlokas
Chapter 1209(59): 45 shlokas
Chapter 1210(60): 33 shlokas
Chapter 1211(61): 17 shlokas
Chapter 1212(62): 62 shlokas
Chapter 1213(63): 83 shlokas
Chapter 1214(64): 32 shlokas
Chapter 1215(65): 45 shlokas
Chapter 1216(66): 65 shlokas
Chapter 1217(67): 37 shlokas
Chapter 1218(68): 63 shlokas
Chapter 1219(69): 43 shlokas
Vadha means killing and the section is named after the killing of Karna. It is also simply known as Karna Parva. After Drona’s death, Karna is made the overall commander. Bhima kills Kshemadhurti (the king of Kuluta), Satyaki kills Vinda and Anuvinda from Kekaya, Droupadi’s sons kill Chitrasena and Chitra from Abhisara, Arjuna kills Dandadhara and Danda from Magadha, Ashvatthama kills Pandya, and Arjuna kills large numbers of the enemy (primarily the samshaptakas1 ). On the seventeenth day, on Karna’s request, Duryodhana asks Shalya to be Karna’s charioteer. Bhima kills Karna’s son, Satyasena and some of Duryodhana’s brothers, Kripa kills Suketu from Panchala, and Arjuna, Bhima and Karna kill many of the enemy. Uttamouja kills Sushena, Karna’s son. Karna kills many warriors on the Pandava side and, in an inconsistent statement, Satyaki kills Sushena, Karna’s son. Bhima kills some of Duryodhana’s brothers. In a major highlight of the war, Bhima kills Duhshasana and drinks his blood. Arjuna kills Vrishasena, Karna’s son. Finally, Arjuna kills Karna.
Chapter 1151(1)
Vaishampayana said, ‘O king! After Drona had been killed, the kings, with Duryodhana at the forefront, were extremely anxious in their minds. They went to Drona’s son. They sorrowed and were dispirited because the infinitely energetic Drona had been killed. In their grief, they surrounded the son of Sharadvati.2 For some time, they comforted him by recounting the reasons given in the sacred texts. However, once night arrived, those lords of the earth went to their own camps. But, in particular, the son of the suta,3 King Suyodhana, Duhshasana and Shakuni could not sleep. In their camps, the Kouravyas and the lords of the earth found no cheer. They thought of that terrible destruction and could not sleep. Together,4 they spent the night in Duryodhana’s camp and thought about the extremely fierce enmity that they had unleashed on the great-souled Pandavas. They had oppressed Krishna5 at the time of gambling with the dice and had brought her to the assembly hall. They thought of that and repented. They became extremely anxious. They thought of the hardships the Parthas had confronted on account of the gambling match. O king! As they thought about these difficulties, the moment seemed to last for a hundred years. Then, the clear morning dawned and they went through the prescribed rites. O descendant of the Bharata lineage! All of them performed these necessary tasks and having performed these necessary tasks, they were somewhat reassured. When the sun arose, they instructed that the soldiers should be yoked and departed. Karna was made the overall commander and the auspicious ceremonies were performed. The foremost among brahmanas were praised and given vessels full of curds, clarified butter, parched rice, golden coins, cattle, gold and extremely expensive garments. Bards, raconteurs and minstrels prayed that their victory and prosperity might increase. O king! In similar fashion, the Pandavas also performed all the morning rites. O king! Making up their minds to fight, they emerged from their camps. As the Kurus and the Pandavas wished to kill each other, a tumultuous battle commenced and it made the body hair stand up. O king! When Karna was the overall commander, the battle between the Kuru and Pa
ndava soldiers lasted for two days. It was wonderful to see. After having caused a great slaughter of the enemy in the battle, Vrisha6 was brought down by Phalguna, while all the sons of Dhritarashtra looked on. Sanjaya then went to the city of Nagasahvya7 and told Dhritarashtra everything that had transpired in Kurujangala.’8
Janamejaya said, ‘Having heard that Drona had been killed by the enemy in the battle, the aged king, Ambika’s son,9 had been overcome by supreme grief. O supreme among brahmanas! On hearing that Karna, Duryodhana’s well-wisher, had been slain, he must have been miserable. How could he sustain his life? The king’s hopes for the victory of his sons had been based on him. On hearing that he had been killed, how could Kouravya sustain his life? Even when there is a hardship, I think that it is very difficult for men to die, since, despite hearing that Karna had been slain, the king did not give up his life. O brahmana! That was also true of Shantanu’s aged son,10 Bahlika, Drona, Somadatta and Bhurishrava. Many other well-wishers, sons and grandsons were also brought down. O brahmana! On hearing this, I think that it must have been very difficult for the king to remain alive. O one rich in austerities! Tell me everything about this in detail. I am not satisfied with hearing about the great conduct of my ancestors.’
Vaishampayana said, ‘O great king! When Karna was slain, with a distressed mind, Gavalgana’s son11 set out in the night for Nagapura,12 on horses that were as fleet as the wind. He reached Hastinapura with great anxiety in his mind. He went to Dhritarashtra’s place, where, the number of well-wishers had declined.13 He saw the king, who was overcome by lassitude and was devoid of energy. Joining his hands in salutation, he bowed his head at the king’s feet. He worshipped Dhritarashtra, lord of the earth, in accordance with the prescribed rites. He then spoke these words. “Alas! I am Sanjaya. O lord of the earth! Are you happy? You have confronted this state because of your own sins. I hope you are not confounded now. You did not follow the beneficial advice of Vidura, Drona, Gangeya14 and Keshava. Are you distressed when you remember that? In the assembly hall, Rama, Narada and Kanva spoke beneficial words to you, but you did not accept them.15 Are you distressed when you remember that? Remembering that the well-wishers who were engaged in your welfare, with Bhishma and Drona as the foremost, have been killed by the enemy in the battle, are you distressed?” Having been thus addressed, the king joined his hands in salutation before the son of the suta.16 He sighed deeply. Oppressed by sorrow he spoke these words. “O Sanjaya! The brave Gangeya, who was well versed in the use of divine weapons, has been brought down. So has the great archer, Drona, and my mind is severely distressed. The energetic one17 was born from the Vasus. The armoured one slaughtered ten thousand rathas. He has been killed by Yajnasena’s son, Shikhandi, who was protected by the Pandaveyas. My mind is severely distressed. Bhargava gave supreme weapons to the great-souled one and when he was a child, Rama himself taught him Dhanurveda.18 It is through his favours that the immensely strong Kounteya princes and many other lords of the earth became maharathas. Drona was a great archer and unwavering in his aim. On hearing that he has been killed by Dhrishtadyumna in the battle, my mind is severely distressed. In the three worlds, there was no man who was his equal in the sacred texts.19 On hearing that Drona had been killed, what did those on my side do? Using his valour, the great-souled Pandava Dhananjaya dispatched the army of the samshaptakas to Yama’s abode. The narayana weapon used by Drona’s intelligent son was repulsed.20 After this, and when the remainder of the army was slain and driven away, what did those on my side do? I think that they must have been immersed in an ocean of grief. When Drona was killed, they must have been like people on an ocean whose boat had been shattered. O Sanjaya! What were the facial complexions of Duryodhana, Karna, Bhoja Kritavarma, Shalya, the king of Madra, Drona’s son, Kripa, my remaining sons and the others when the soldiers fled? Tell me that. O son of Gavalgana! Tell me everything, exactly as it happened in the battle. Tell me everything about the Pandaveyas and those on my side.” Sanjaya replied, “O venerable one! On hearing what transpired between the Pandaveyas and the Kouraveyas, you should not be distressed. This is destiny and your mind should not be full of grief. Sometimes, what should not happen, happens to a man. And sometimes, what should happen, does not. Therefore, learned ones do not grieve over that which has not been obtained, or what has been obtained.” Dhritarashtra said, “O Sanjaya! On hearing this, my mind is not distressed. I think this is because of what destiny has ordained earlier. Tell me what you wish to.” ’
Chapter 1152(2)
‘Sanjaya said, “When Drona, the great archer, was killed, your maharatha sons became pale in their faces. They grieved and were bereft of their senses. O lord of the earth! All of them held weapons in their hands, but were silent. They were oppressed by grief and did not look at each other, or speak to each other. O descendant of the Bharata lineage! On seeing that they were so distressed, your soldiers were also miserable and glanced upwards, extremely terrified. O Indra among kings! The weapons of those who remained were smeared in blood. On seeing that Drona had been brought down, these dropped from their hands. O descendant of the Bharata lineage! O great king! But some21 still hung down from their hands and were seen to be like stars in the firmament. O great king! They were stationed there, dispirited and bereft of enterprise. On seeing his own army in that state, King Duryodhana spoke these words. ‘I am fighting on the basis of the valour in your arms. Depending on this, I have challenged the Pandaveyas to this battle. With Drona having been killed in the battle, I discern that you are distressed. All the warriors who are fighting in the battle are being killed. When fighting in a battle, there may be victory, or there may be death. What is strange about this? Face all the directions and fight. Behold the great-souled warrior Karna Vaikartana in the battle. The immensely strong and great archer is roaming around, possessing divine weapons. Dhananjaya, Kunti’s son, is frightened of fighting with him. He always retreats before that wrathful one, like small animals before a lion. The immensely strong Bhimasena possesses the strength of ten thousand elephants. But in a human battle, he was reduced to a miserable state.22 The brave Ghatotkacha knew the use of maya. Using the divine weapon, the invincible spear, in the battle, he killed him and roared loudly.23
The intelligent one’s valour is difficult to cross. He is unwavering in his aim. You will witness the inexhaustible strength in his arms in the battle today. You will behold both the great-souled Radheya and Drona’s son act against the Pandu and Panchala soldiers. All of you are brave, wise and born in noble lineages. You will witness each other’s good conduct and skill in the use of weapons today.’ O great king! When the king had spoken in this way, the immensely strong Vaikartana Karna roared like a lion. As all of them looked on, he fought with the Srinjayas, Panchalas, Kekayas and Videhas and caused great destruction, releasing hundreds of showers of arrows from his bow. They seemed to be linked head to tail, like a flock of bees. The spirited one afflicted the Panchalas and Pandavas. He killed thousands of warriors and was brought down by Arjuna.” ’
Chapter 1153(3)
Vaishampayana said, ‘O great king! On hearing this, Dhritarashtra, Ambika’s son, was seen to be overcome by great grief. He thought that Suyodhana had already been killed. He lost his senses and fell down on the ground, like an elephant that had lost its consciousness. That supreme among kings was senseless and fell down on the ground. O supreme among the Bharata lineage! A great lamentation arose among the women. That sound filled the earth, everywhere. The Bharata women were immersed in a great and terrible ocean of grief. O bull among the Bharata lineage! Gandhari approached the king. All those from the inner quarters24 lost their senses and fell down on the ground. O king! At this, Sanjaya comforted those distressed ones. Miserable, copious quantities of tears flowed from their eyes. He repeatedly assured the trembling women. In every direction, they were like plantain trees that had been whirled by a storm. Vidura sprinkled the Kourava king, the lord who had wisdom for his sight,25 with water and comforted him. O ki
ng! He slowly regained his senses and saw the ladies. O lord of the earth! The king seemed to be mad and stood there, silently. He reflected for a long time and sighed repeatedly. He censured his sons in many ways and applauded the Pandavas. He censured his own intelligence and that of Shakuni Soubala. He thought for a long time and trembled repeatedly. The king then used his mind to restrain himself. Resorting to patience, he asked Sanjaya, the suta who was the son of Gavalgana. “O Sanjaya! I have heard the words that you have spoken to me. O suta! Has my son, Duryodhana, already gone to Yama’s abode? O Sanjaya! Tell me everything accurately, even if you have told it to me earlier.” O Janamejaya! Having been thus addressed by the king, the suta replied, “O king! The great archer, Vaikartana, was killed, with his maharatha sons and brothers and so were the sons of other sutas.26 In the battle, Duhshasana was killed by the illustrious and angry Pandava Bhimasena, who drank his blood.” ’
Chapter 1154(4)
Mahabharata: Volume 7 Page 4