The document provides an overview and analysis of the Kannada play "The Curse of Karna" by T.P. Kailasam. The play retells the story of Karna from the Mahabharata and explores themes like fate, destiny, and the struggles faced by the subaltern in society. Karna is portrayed as a complex tragic figure whose life is shaped by the curse placed on him before birth. The play highlights the caste discrimination Karna faces in areas like education and marriage, despite his capabilities, and presents him as a voice of the unrepresented subaltern group.

1. ‘The Curse or Karna’
By T. P. Kailasam

2. Prepared by
Gayatri Nimavat
Gopi Dervaliya
Department of English, MKBU

3. 1. 2. 3.
Themes
Introduction
About Author
Brief Overview of the
play
Caste and Class
Conflict
Subaltern theory
Karna: The voice of
subaltern
Table Of Contents

4. The play "The Curse or Karna" by T.P. Kailasam is a retelling of the story of Karna from the
Mahabharata. Karna is a complex and tragic figure who is cursed by his mother, Kunti, before he is
born. The curse prevents him from ever achieving his full potential. The play explores the themes
of fate, destiny, and free will, and how these concepts can affect the lives of the subaltern.
● The play is set in ancient India, during the time of the Mahabharata war.
● The play is written in Kannada, a language spoken in southern India.
● The play was first published in 1946.
● The play has been translated into English and other languages.
● The play has been adapted into films and television shows.
“Even he used classical themes, his purpose was contemporary”
- Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Vice President of India (1960)
Introduction

5. About Author
Born: 29 July 1884
Mysore, India
Died: 1946
Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Tyagraj Paramasiva Iyer Kailasam, 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.
His contribution to Kannada theatrical comedy earned him the title Prahasana Prapitamaha the
great-grandfather of humorous plays). He was later often revered "the one and only Kailasam for
Kannada". (Wikipedia)

6. Brief Overview of the Play
Act 1-
SI-Karna leaves Aashram
S II - Karna and Raama (Parshuram cursed Karna) -Aashram
Act II - Competition at Hastinapur - The Royal stadium
Act III - Draupadi Swayamvara - Palace of Panchal (35-36)
SI-Draupadi insulted Anga
S II-Anga recalls the curse he has
Act IV - Cheerharan - Karna tried to save Draupadi
- Falls in the arms of Bheemsena
Act V - Battlefield of Kurukshetra
SI-Karna's encounter with Kunti
S II- Arjuna and Karna's fight - Death

7. Karna

8. Themes
Role of Karma in the Life of Human Beings:
Karna's life story underscores the idea that one's actions (karma) shape their destiny.
Dharma-Ethics:
The play delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by characters, especially Karna, as they navigate their
duties and responsibilities.
Caste and Complexity:
Karna's complex identity, born as a Kshatriya but raised as a charioteer's son, highlights the complexities
of caste. His caste becomes a source of conflict and discrimination.
Karma and Reward:
In the play, Karna's loyalty to Duryodhana despite his awareness of the latter's unjust actions illustrates
the concept of karma. Karna's unwavering support for Duryodhana ultimately leads to his tragic fate.

9. Destiny:
Karna's inability to change his destiny, despite his best intentions and efforts, underscores the theme
of destiny as a formidable force.
The Theme of Betrayal:
The theme of betrayal is evident in various instances, such as Karna's perception of betrayal by his
birth mother, Kunti, and his sense of loyalty and betrayal in his friendship with Duryodhana.
Gurukul System of Education in India:
The play portrays Karna's education under Dronacharya, which was part of the traditional Gurukul
system. This education shapes his character and values.
Forgetfulness and Helplessness:
Karna's moments of forgetfulness and helplessness, despite his strength and abilities, highlight the
human side of his character.

10. Identity of Karna:
Karna's struggle to establish his true identity, torn between his birthright and his adopted identity,
is a central theme.
Friendship:
Karna's unwavering loyalty to Duryodhana exemplifies the theme of friendship, even in the face of
adversity.
The Curse:
Parashurama's curse on Karna is a pivotal moment in the play. It exemplifies how curses in Indian
mythology can shape a character's destiny.
Spirit:
The spiritual aspects of characters' journeys, including Karna's spiritual growth and struggles, are
explored.

11. Caste conflict and Class conflict
Parshuram: Dedicated to Brahmins
Draunacharya: Dedicated to Kshatriyas
Royal battles: only with Royal blood (Kings)
Karna: not a Brahmin, Not a Kshatriya, Not a king
Karna's implied identity: Sootha
Education - Battles - Marriage - Respect Kingship
A worthy man excluded by all because of his (low) birth

12. Caste/Class conflict in education:
● Raama only gives education to Brahmins.
● Karna learned ‘Vidhyas' as a Kshatriya.
● Karna get curse from Raama.
● Guru Drona imparts Vidya only to princes.
● Being a Sootha, Karna is not allowed to
compete with the princes (Pandavas and
Kauravas).
● He is capable but he is not given a chance.
● All the acts are ends with similar Dialogue,
“Poor Karna! POOR, Poor Karna!”
“Our Anga!” “Our Great Anga!”
“Our poor poor Anga!”

13. Caste/Class conflict in marriage:
● Swayamvar of Draupadi.
● Karna os there with his friend Suyodhan.
● He is able to fulfill the condition given by king to
marry his daughter.
● But Draupadi denied to marry Karna and the
reason given by her is ‘She don’t want ro marry
him because he is sootha’.
● Even he is king, more capable than all the
Kshatriya princes, he marginalized because of
his lower cast.

14. Subaltern Theory
By the term 'subaltern' conventionally denotes an inferior military rank, it is more generally used
as 'a name for the general attribute of subordination in South Asian society' often expressed in
terms of caste and gender as it is being acquired. at birth and is non-changeable. The term
'Subaltern' was coined by Ranjit Guha and later it was adopted by Marxist Antonio Gramsci and
further it was discussed by Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak in her essay 'Can the Subaltern
Speak?' People consider Subaltern as the unrepresented group of people in the society, people
of inferior race, not fit for making any real contribution to the society and therefore they cannot
speak, but subaltern can speak but others do not have the patience to listen to them.

15. Karna: The Voice of Subaltern
The subaltern theory is a school of thought that examines the
experiences of the marginalized and oppressed. The theory argues
that the subaltern are often silenced and their voices are not heard.
Karna can be seen as a subaltern figure. He is born into a low caste
and is denied his birthright. He is also cursed by his mother, which
further marginalizes him. The play "The Curse or Karna" explores
the ways in which Karna's subaltern status affects his life.
The play shows how Karna's curse silences him and prevents him
from ever truly belonging. It also shows how his subaltern status
makes him vulnerable to exploitation and violence. The play
ultimately argues that the subaltern must fight for their own liberation
and that they cannot rely on the dominant power structures to help
them.

16. In conclusion, "The Curse of Karna" by T.P. Kailasam stands as a literary
masterpiece that delves deep into the intricacies of the human condition.
Through its exploration of profound themes such as fate, destiny, free will,
caste, friendship, and the enduring power of curses, this play offers a timeless
narrative that resonates with audiences across generations. Kailasam's skillful
storytelling and vivid characterizations bring to life the epic Mahabharata and
its complex characters in a way that challenges our understanding of morality
and loyalty.
Conclusion

17. Thank you!