The Curse or Karna - T.P. Kailasam

Welcome readers! This blog is written in  response to the thinking activity assigned by Megha Ma'am from the Department of English at MKBU. In this blog, I will delve into T.P. Kailasam's play, 'The Curse or Karna,' and explore some questions related to the play. My focus will be on the character of Karna and its connection with the Subaltern theory. But before that , let us start by discussing the playwright and the play itself. 

  ' Thinking Activity'

"The Curse or Karna" - Play by T.P. Kailasam 

    ' The Curse or Karna' Play by T.P. Kailasam is a thought-provoking Indian Play that delves into the Complexities of Fate and morality. It explores the Character of Karna from Mahabharta, Shedding light on his inner Struggles and the Injusticies he faced during his life. Kailasam's work is famous for his rich  dialogues and Intricate character development, making it a Compelling Piece of literature. 

  

  □ T. P. Kailasam :- 

     Tyagraj Paramasiva Iyer Kailsam ( Kannada - 1884 to 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. His Contribution to Kannada theatrical Comedy earned him the title  " Prahasana Prapitamaha "  (ಪ್ರಹಸನ ಪ್ರಪಿತಾಮಹ; the great grandfther of humorous Plays).   He was later often revered " the one and only Kailasam for Kannada. 

 Kailasam's life was dedicated  to local theatre and his Contributions revolutionsed it. His Humour left an impression on Kannadigas. He opposed the Company  theatre's obsession with mythology  and  stories of royalty and shied away from loading his Plays with music. Instead he introduced Special realistic Sets. Kailsam  was initially Criticised  for modern use of the Kannada language in his Plays at a time when the language was used under Strict lingustic syntax and Semantics. But , soon after his works became very Popular and are Considered  among the best in Kannada theatre, known for wit and Satirical Commentary on Society. 

 T.P.Kailasam is still remembered as a Prominent figure in the Karnataka Theatre Circuit. He wrote humorous Plays. 

◇ Kannada  Plays :- 

 ● ' ToLLu Gatti '

 ●  ' Poli Kitti , The Story of  a born Scout

 ● ' Bahishkara ' 

  ● ' HomeRoolu'

  ● ' Gandaskatri ' 

   ● 'NamkLabbu '

 ●  ' Seekarne Saavitri '

 ●  ' Sattavana Santhaapa ' etc..

 ◇ English  Plays :- 

● ' Fulfilment '

● ' Purpose ' 

 ● ' The Brahmin's Curse' 

 Kailasam turned his hand to mythological  themes also but treated themes in English. He was a moralist , but he had the Subtletly needed to carry off his moralising. His appreciation of what was really noble in traditional ways of living , added a grace to his Plays. He created the new vogue for the Satirical social Play which Proved that Powerful Prose with Penetrating humour could do away with tinsel attractions of music , Setting and Costume. 

  T.P.Kailasam died in the City of Bengluru in the state of karnataka in the year 1946.

 □ About  the Play  ' The Curse or Karna ' 

   The Curse or karna is a Play written by T.P.Kailasam , a Prominent Playwright in Kannada literature. The Play is based on Characters and events from the Indian Epic, The Mahabharata , with a major focus on Karna, one of the Central characters. Karna is known for his tragic fate. In this Play Kailasam explores  Karna's life , his inner Struggles and the moral dilemmas he faces.  The play delves into the themes of Fate, loyalty and the Consequences of one's Choices. It Provides a unique Perspective on Karna's character and adds depth to his Potrayal in Mahabharata. 

 The Play is divided into Five acts. It was Published on 10th September 1946 and later republished on 29th July 1969. The Setting of the Play is Raama's Ashram. The entire Play is talking  about the Character of Karna and how he marginalized because of his Subaltern Identity. Along with that, the Play also talked about the Sufferings of karna throughout his life and at the end he faced Painful death by his own brother. 

 The Play is well regarded for its dramatic Storytelling and Character development. It remains an important work in Indian literature  and theatre, Shedding light on the Complex and tragic figure of karna from the Mahabharata. 

  Click here to watch the Promo of Television series 'Suryaputra Karna '

  Question 1 :- Interpret the 'end'  of all acts and Scenes in brief. 

Answer  :-  

Act 1 - Gurujee Raama 

 " POOR KARNA! POOR, POOR  KARNA ! " 

Act 2 - Gaandhaara 

 " POOR ANGA ! POOR POOR HONEST ANGA!"

 Act 3 - The King Suyodhan 

 " The King POOR  ANGA ! OUR POOR  GREAT  ANGA!"

 Act 4 - Bheema  

 ( Anga Crumples into Bheema's arms who carries him out muttering amid tears : " POOR ANGA! POOR GREAT ANGA ! " The THRONE ROOM , empty now , is exposed for a minute before - ) 

 Act 5 - Aswattha and Maadra 

  " OUR ANGA! " OUR GREAT ANGA ! 

[ " OUR  POOR POOR ANGA " ! ]

 From these acts and Scenes from the play " The Curse or Karna" by T.P.Kailasam depicts various characters expressing Sympathy and Sorrow for Anga , who is Commoly referred to as " POOR ANGA " or " OUR POOR POOR  ANGA."    These acts highlight the theme of Anga being seen as a Sympathetic and honorable character who receives Compassion and lamentation from various Individuals  in the Play. " The Curse or Karna" by T.P. Kailasam revolves around a recurring theme of empathy and sorrow for Anga, a character who is repeatedly referred to as "POOR ANGA" or "OUR POOR POOR ANGA" in various acts and scenes. 

In Act 1, Gurujee Raama sets the tone by expressing pity for Karna, foreshadowing Anga's misfortunes. This initial sympathy hints at the unfolding tragic events.

In Act 2, in the land of Gaandhaara, Anga is portrayed as "POOR POOR HONEST ANGA," emphasizing his virtuous character and the hardships he faces. This highlights his integrity, making the audience sympathize with him.

Act 3 brings King Suyodhan into the narrative, echoing the sentiment by referring to Anga as "OUR POOR GREAT ANGA." The repetition of "poor" underscores the depth of compassion felt for Anga throughout the play.

Act 4 showcases Bheema cradling Anga, lamenting "POOR GREAT ANGA." This poignant scene portrays the culmination of Anga's tragic journey, evoking sympathy from the audience.

Lastly, in Act 5, Aswattha and Maadra join in expressing their grief for "OUR GREAT ANGA," cementing Anga's status as a beloved character. These acts and scenes collectively create a powerful emotional arc, painting Anga as a figure of immense sympathy and honor in the play.

 Karna is doomed by Fate. Despite his tragic end, karna remains a Sympathetic character , as he is a Victim of  Circumstances and Struggles with his own internal Conflicts. 

 Question 2 : Karna - the Voice of Subaltern. 

Answer :-      Karna, often regarded as the "Voice of Subaltern," is a pivotal character in Indian mythology, particularly in the epic Mahabharata. Born to Kunti and the Sun God, Surya, Karna's life is marked by adversity and social exclusion. His lower caste origins and struggles for acceptance symbolize the marginalized voices of society. Despite facing discrimination and hardship, Karna's unwavering loyalty, valor, and tragic destiny resonate with those who identify with the subaltern, making him a powerful symbol of resilience and the enduring struggle for justice. First we have to understand about sublatern theory. 

 ◇ What is Subaltern Theory? 

   Subaltern theory, developed within the field of post Colonial Studies. It focuses on the voices of and experiences of marginalized and Oppressed groups in Society , often overlooked by dominant narratives. This theory aims to understand the Perspectives of those who have  been historically silenced and Subjugated due to factors like caste , class, gender race or nationality. 

 Sublatern Studies delves into the Complex dynamics of Power and resistance, Shedding a light on the hidden histories and Struggles of Communities. It Challenged established hierarchies and Prompting a more inclusive understanding of Social and political issues. 

 ◇ Karna as Subaltern  :- 

 He refers to the Populations that are Socially, Politically and geographically outside of the legitimate Power structure of the Colony and of the Colonial homeland. Tragic Character with tragic fate. Marginalized by gurus, warriors, Princes, Panchalee, Kings. 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 unpresented group of People in the Society. People of inferior race, not fit for making any real Contributions to the Society and therefore they cannot Speak. But, In reality Subaltern can speak but others do not have the Patience to listen to them and same can be seen with Karna, he is capable but ultimately he is suta Putra. 

 

Karna, a complex character from the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, is often seen as marginalized due to his social and familial background. He was born to Kunti, a queen, but was abandoned at birth and raised by a charioteer. This low-caste upbringing made him an outsider in the Kuru dynasty, where caste and lineage played a crucial role. Despite his immense talent and valor, Karna faced discrimination and was denied the rights and recognition typically afforded to a prince.

Karna's story resonates with many as a voice of the subaltern, representing those who are marginalized or oppressed by societal norms. His struggle for recognition, his loyalty to Duryodhana despite knowing the moral consequences, and his eventual tragic downfall highlight the plight of those who are pushed to the fringes of society. Karna's character challenges the established social hierarchy, shedding light on the unjust treatment of individuals based on their birth rather than their abilities. In this way, Karna is considered a voice of the subaltern, symbolizing the struggles of those who fight against a system that marginalizes them.

 

   Karna, a prominent character in the Indian epic Mahabharata, can be considered a voice of the subaltern in various ways:

1. Social Marginalization : Karna was born to a low-caste mother and was abandoned as a child. He faced social discrimination and marginalization due to his lower caste, which makes him a representative of the subaltern, who often face oppression based on their social status.

2. Struggle for Identity: Karna's lifelong struggle to establish his identity and gain recognition mirrors the challenges faced by many subaltern individuals who seek to assert their identity and rights in a society dominated by the privileged.

3. Solidarity with the Dispossessed : Throughout the Mahabharata, Karna showed empathy and support for the downtrodden, aligning himself with those who were marginalized or oppressed, reflecting a subaltern perspective of advocating for the rights of the dispossessed.

4. Quest for Justice: Karna's sense of justice and fairness, despite his own disadvantaged position, underscores the subaltern's desire for a just society where everyone is treated equitably.

5. Complex Character: Karna's character is multifaceted, reflecting the complexity of subaltern voices. He is both a tragic hero and a flawed character, highlighting the diverse experiences and struggles within the subaltern community.

Overall, Karna's journey in the Mahabharata can be seen as a representation of the subaltern narrative, highlighting the challenges, aspirations, and resilience of those who are marginalized in society.

 [ Words :- 1826] 

[ Images :- 08 ] 

[ Videos :- 03] 

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