Apr 06, 2009 01:58 PM
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(Updated Apr 06, 2009 03:54 PM)
Even I find it impossible to measure the depth of his heart. …..
This is what Krishn has to say for the only warrior who got cremated by his hands..Karn.
Karn, the Suryaputra (Son of God) who spends his whole life being mocked as Sutputra(Son of Charioteer).
Karn, the Jayshtha Kauntya(Eldest Son of Kunti, the queen mother) who is better known as Radhay(Son of Radha,a common woman)
Karn who was equally admired and loved by Panchali (The Empress) and Vrishaali( The Common Woman)
Karn, the invincible, born with a sheath which could never be penetrated is the most soft hearted philanthropist;
Karn,the one who never returned anybody from his door empty handed but could never fill up his own hands .
Karn, is an enigma who was gravelly misunderstood but was expected to empathize with all situations and human beings.
Karn is a puzzle I am still trying to solve and yet could only get a fair bit of Idea after reading this book.
To read Mrityunjayand to understand it’s protagonist, the foremost requirement is to be passionate enough for the character. This is where my thoughts meet exactly the author of the Book Shivaji Sawant. When I read the prelude of the book I could actually identify with with Shivaji’s passion and respect for the eldest illegitimate son of Kunti. He wrote this book at the age of 27 but he clearly says that Karn was his childhood hero right from the times he had acted the role of Krishn on a stage play. He found himself trapped under the magnificence of the character of Karna Finally he wrote on him and the book was released in 1967 in Marathi and later on translated in Hindi and English.
The book shows the perspective of all main protagonists in the novel, mainly of course Karn and all the others involved with him like Kunti, Duryodhna , Shon, Vrishaali and eventually Krishn.
Being Karn: Never could I have imagined such a perfect portrayal of this most admired character. He knows right from his childhood that he is different and he does not belong. The way he can look into the eyes of Sun , the kundal and kawach which adorn him but not his younger brother and of course a quest to achieve perfection as a warrior. The commencement of his struggles from the school of Dron where he faces his first rejection to the times he takes his last breath , just wrenches the heart completely. The way he continuously tries to get acceptance , the thoughts running in his mind on every rejection he faces from the society, just makes your heart go out for him . The pages which essay his agony and anger of finally knowing that he is somebody but yet have always been treated as a nobody, can be turned many a times. Shivaji’s pen brilliantly deals with his dilemma in the times when he took a wrong step, and the way his conscience lashes him during such incidents. The manner a human heart argues with the head and reason has been put phenomenally in words.
Being Kunti: Now this was the first time I was able to read Kunti’s outlook and her pain and agony of never being able to accept her son. In this book you would never read anything about the royal queen, but only about a mother who could never be. Shivaji has carefully emphasized on the scene when she goes to Karn to beg forgiveness and plead for Arjun’s life. He says “what an irony, the mother who was supposed to shade the kid from everything, stands hidden under the shade of his clothes, probably to save herself from the embarrassment of facing his father , the Sun”.
Being Duryodhan: Another revelation was made in form of this character. He is just as human as anybody, alongwith his positives and negatives. His clear acceptance that he is using Karn as a means and the fact that he feels equally guilty about it, is brought out in an excellent way. Its great knowledge indeed to know that Duryodhan also had morals and conscience which poked him in few instances.
Being Vrishaali: The better half of Karna and his silent supporter in all times. Her life sees nothing beyond Karn and she finds herself fortunate than Draupadi, who never knew what it felt like being the loved one of such a great soul.
Being Shon: The younger brother,pal and mate of Karn. He witnesses and empathizes with the pain and agony which Karn goes through all his life. His loyalties to his brother are impregnable. Another admirable character sketched by Shivaji Sawant.
Being Krishn:And you thought that God never had a conscience or was never trapped in dilemma. The book climaxes by Krishn’s narration about Karna, his circumstance and the boundless respect and love he has for him. He says “ Amongst all the people I know I bow in front of four people in this world who love me silently and strongly: My Mother Devki, My Aunt Kunti, Daanvir Karn and Radha”. He finds himself torn between his duty and his affection for Karna. The respect which Karna gains in his eyes by rejecting his plea of joining the Pandavas, post the knowledge that he is their elder brother, fills the Almighty’s eyes with tears also.
Not only does this book deals with these characters, in sidelines you find explanations and answers of many questions. There are times when you feel that the character’s thoughts are so similar to the ones which go around in an average human mind. Something like “Oh Gowd! That’s me”. Besides talking about the most intriguing and superior character of all times, Shivaji has kept the background and thought process in an equally engaging flow. The narration carries you completely to an era putting you in the shoes of each and every character one by one. It took me a long time to read and actually get into the feel of the book. The more I tried to delay it, I delved into the matter deeper. The most commendable feature of the book that it is as human as its reader. The occurences are as relevant in today's world as they were at that time, with people suffering from similar pangs of emotions, as in present scenario.
This is one saga which is beyond age, time and limitations, just like its invincible hero who lives even after his death.It’s a book which is not going to fail you as its main protagonist, The Mrityunjay!!
