Yuganta mahabharta irawati karwe

Discussion on Protagonist

Introduction

Winning the Franchise

Protagonist vis-à-vis others

Protagonist vis-à-vis modern day personalities

Conclusion

Yuganta : the end of an epochWritten by Irawati Karve (1905 – 11 August 1970)

She was an Indian sociologist, anthropologist, educationist, and a writer from Maharashtra, India.

It is said that :

“Although Karve was very well known in her time, especially in her native Maharashtra, and gets an honourable mention in standard histories of sociology/anthropology, she does not seem to have had a lasting effect on the disciplines in the way of some of her contemporaries.”

Chapter 1 : the IntroductionYuganta is a rational analysis of the Mahabharata :

Yuganta studies the principal, mythical-heroic figures of the Mahabharata from historical, anthrpological and secular perspectives. The usually venerated characters of this ancient Indian epic are here subjected to a rational enquiry that places them in context, unravels their hopes and fears, and imbues them with wholly human motives, thereby making their stories relevant and astonishing to contemporary readers.

The author tries to explain the Mahabharata by referring to the premises of this story : Jaya (victory)

Mahabharata is supposed to have been composed by the sage Vyasa but it is possible that the sage heard it from sutas (bards) and arranged it afterwards

The war in the Mahabharata starts in Bhishmaparva but it is principally focused on the ultimate sacrifice Bhishma is about to make when becoming the general of the Kaurava army. How did he get there?

His behaviour towards women regardind the decisions he took : brides of his brothers, his nephews

His direct position into the Kuru Clan maintain order, cease internal quarrels, not to take any

position between the cousins (Pandavas and Kauravas)

Dies trying to save the Kuru clan from destructionthe great war.

Had Bhishma accomplished anything in keeping his vows? The question remains

Chapter 2 : the final effort

Chapter 3 : Gandhari

The princess who maried the blind son of the Kuru clan : Dhriturashra She blinded herself because of the insult it was to her to marry a blind man

Totally under the control of her husband with whom she had 100 children Nobody cares about her opinion

The author is describing her as a poor woman who had to sacrifice everything in order to marry a blind man

The virtue to sacrifice heserlf and the union with her husband at the end of her life

Chapter 4 : KuntiIn the Mahabharata, women often suffered whereras men acted and directed. Kunti is the woman who knows only sorrow

She had an illigetimate child with the sun-god : sorrow of her life

Then, she was given to an impotent man: Pandu, the kingdom heir they exile to the forest with Madri (Pandu’s other wife) in order to have children : incongruity revealed by the author

Fierce rivalry between Kunti and Madri : Pandu dies and Madri follows him in death, leaving Kunti raising the all 5 children alone

She only lived in order to protect her children against internal quarrels in Hastinapura but they are forced to exile again in misery. She married her five children to the same woman (Draupadi) in order to unite them.

It’s then her eldest son that destroyed all her efforts by gambling and it’s the same son Kunti convinced to go at war to get what is his by right

After the end of the war, she confessed to Dharma that Karna was her first son. Dharma, in a fury, put all war blame on Kunti : interpolation

She finally decided to follow her husband’s brother in the forest to find a peaceful death

Due to internal quarrels, the Kaurava tried to kill the Pandavas family many times but they never succeeded thanks to Vidura foiling enemies plots in the shadow

Vidura has a special function according to the author : he is a Suta and thus very close to powerHelping the Pandavas may result in his wish to give the kingdom to those who had a

right on it

Vidura is supposed to live a peaceful life but a huge sorrow filled his heart. Was this serene life a way to hide his real actions?

Is very close to the eldest son of the Pandu : Dharma. « All these things taken together suggest a question : Were Vidura and Dharma father

and son ? There is much in the Mahabharata to support this suspicion. »

« As soon as we consider the possibility that these two might be father and son, the whole Mahabharata takes on a new light. If Dharma is the natural son of Vidura and the legal son of Pandu, the Mahabharata conflict is no longer between the sons of Dhritarashtra and Pandu, but among the sons of all three brothers. The triangular fight does not materialise because Vidura and Pandu Have a common son. »

Chapter 5 : father and son

DRAUPADI- nathavati anathavat

• Draupadi and her brother were adopted by Yajnasena.• Became the wife of the 5 Pandavas– “Whatever you brought today share equally with brothers”-Kunti

• Responsibility came over to Draupadi to watch over the Pandavas• Her brothers were important allies of the Pandavas• Contrast with Ramayana and Sita explained• Draupadi was shamefully dishonoured at the dice game• She saved the 5 brothers from total loss and humiliation

• In the Puranas, kritya is a blood thirsty demonic female. Draupadi is said to be one. But did the war start because of her?

• Affection for Karuna?• Draupadi committed many mistakes• Before her death, Dharma’s frustration, her love for Arjuna, Bhima’s love for her revealed

DRAUPADI- nathavati anathavat

The Palace of Maya

• Mayasabha is the splendid building in the pandavas capital Indraprastha

• Khandavaprastha was given to Pandavas, which they burned • Maya, an asura was spared and he built Mayasabha• This is where Draupadi laughed at Duryodhana. This Palace was

never talked about after it was gambled away• Why did Krishna and Arjuna burn down the forest?• In Kshatriya tradition, even if a king was defeated, land was not

taken• The forest was partly the property and house of many Naga

people and their rulers• Takshaka Naga later took revenge by killing Arjuna’s Grandson

Paradharmo Bhayavahah

• Role of brahmans in Mahabaratha• Parashurama is brought in the story for various reasons though he

existed way before the time of Mahabaratha. He is a Brahman, who is trained in weapons and war.

• In Mahabaratha, Drona plays the brahman who is trained in weapons.• Drona goes against code to deprive King Draupuda of half his kingdom• Brahmans curse on Parikshita, again an interpolation• Vyasa begets children upon the queens• Drona lead the Kaurava army after Bhishma• Drona’s son Ashvatthama kills soldiers in their sleep, including

Dhristadyumna• He is the unforgettable example of loss of Smriti

Karna

• Story of a person who never got what he deserved• Illegitimate son of Kunti • Many parallels with Vidura’s life, but Vidura accepted it• Karna spent life answering “Who am I?”• Constantly rash and small minded, jealous of Arjuna and Pandavas• Duryodhana gained his friendship( or loyalty?) by standing up for him• Karna was the meanest in harassing Draupadi• He stands out as a great person in 2 moments

– Conversation with Kunti– Conversation with Karna

• He was foolish at many instances and was driven by hatred and jealousy• He got killed by Arjuna in the battle, while trying to free a stuck chariot

Krishna Vasudeva

• Kunti’s brother’s Son, the Yadavas family• Has through out helped and planned for the Pandavas.• He was the chief tactician and strategician• He was honoured at Dharma’s Rajasuga yagna• Got his sister married to Arjuna. He stayed with Arjuna in the war and

gave his army to Dhuryodana• He always had personal motives and also meant good for his people and

the Pandavas• Killed Sishipula. Wanted to become greatest Vasudeva• Is Arjuna’s Charioteer and motivates him• Krishna’s present image was added much later

End of a Yuga• There are four yugas: Satya, Treta, Dwapara and Kali• The social positions of Vaishyas and Shudras changed• Suta had a place but not within the castes• There were jungle people called by animal names• Kinship was in primary terms like father, mother and cousins and uncles and aunts• In laws always formed powerful allies• Women were the property of the father or the husband and had to act as the husband

demanded• Irawati Karve questions the male domination in Mahabaratha• Each character knew the moral framework, but did whatever she or he felt right• Friendsip was never possible amongst non equals• In Mahabaratha, limitations of life are clearly stated and did not weave dream tales into

the main story. The literature after this epoch had a lot of divinity and unreal happenings• The ideals of truth, valour, devotion were take to extreme• In those times, drinking, eating beef seemed a practice• The question of whether the characters could read and write, remains throughout• After Mahabaratha, dreamy escapism, bhakti and hero worship plagues almost all our texts


Introduction




Discussion on Theme

Interpretation of Theme – Reality & Ideals

Idealism taught in Epics vs. Realistic perspective of characters

Dual motives – Idealism & Practicality

Struggle between ideal vs practical action

Idealism and Reality – Dynamism

Expression of theme in the reading

Bhishma – symbol of duty and sacrifice vs. Questionable behaviour with some female characters

Kunti – Following the husband or looking after the children

Draupadi – Devoted wife vs open revolt and contempt for Pandava’s actions

Destruction of Khandava forest

Karna – Non-acceptance of the Pandavas

Krishna – Play on idealism during Arjuna’s moment of doubt in the battlefield

Relevance of theme in modern times

• Boss tells subordinate that bottom line is supreme; But not ready to compromise product quality• Ethical Governance and decision-making• Comparison of Acquisitions to forest destruction (Duty to one’s family or Kshatriyahood ~ Duty to

one’s company)

Idealism OR/AND Practicality in Business Decision Making

• What is ideal and what is realistic for your company?

Setting real/achievable goals or mission statements as a manager/CEO

• Example – Arvind Kejriwal

Politics – Idealism vs Realism

• Altruism vs Egoism• Donation to charity vs Personal Use

Societal & Personal Decisions


Introduction




Conclusion

Bhishma• The war of Mahabharata begins in the ‘Bhishmaparva’ – symbolic of Bhishma’s role in

Mahabharata• Author’s interpretation of Mahabharata – ‘All human life is fruitless, all human life ends in

frustration’; Comparisons with Karmanye Vadhikaraste, Ma phaleshou kada chana, from a contemporary book Bhagwad Gita

Author’s Comments on Bhishma:• The dilemma of Personal Goals vs Greater Good and the intermingling of both for Bhishma• A life full of Contradictions –

• Had a boon of choosing the time of his death, however did not end it and join the other seven Vasu in heaven

• Shepherded two generations to ensure continuation of Kuru lineage, but only Parikshit survived after the Mahabharata

• Famed as a great warrior, but has only one victory of note• Known for his ’Bhishmpratigya’ and sacrifice, but ensured his stronghold on the reins of

Hastinapur• Treatment of women – Satyavati, Amba, Gandhari, Kunti, Draupadi

Interpretation:• Author’s judgement reflects failure of Bhisma in achieving the desired results• Correct intentions, but bound by ’Raj-Dharma’

Kunti‘Men acted, men directed and women suffered.’‘Every man in her life contributed to her unhappiness.’

Author’s Comments on Kunti:• A strong and unbending woman who faced many a misfortunes throughout her life

• Adoption by Kuntibhoja and service of Durvasa• An illegitimate child• An impotent husband• Constant threat from the Kauravas

• More than an ideal mother• Protected her children through thick and thin• Showed no prejudice towards Madri’s sons• Exhorted the Pandavas to reclaim ther rights – taught Dharma to Dharma

• Encounter with Karna • Evoked a mother’s right and asked him to join forces with the Pandavas• Ensured his Kshatriya status and last rites were according to Kshatriya norms

Interpretation:• A mother spoke to Karna – was it that of the Pandavas or of Karna? Was there a difference

between the two?• Kunti’s life synonymous to the Mahabharata – The loser lost his life, the winner had but an

empty victory

Krishna ‘Krishna remains an elusive personality….Krishna remains a figure for thought and search, but never touches one emotionally…’‘..when at last he was made into a god, he became a god with the warmest human qualities..’

Author’s Comments on Krishna:• Portrayed as a dispassionate yogi, an astute statesman, an abode of knowledge, a great

friend. All of this, but not God.• Political Astuteness and Statesmanship:

• Killing of Jarasandha and Shishupala• Annointing Balarama as the king of Dvaraka• Killing of Karna and Bhishma• Negotiations with the Kauravas

• Personal/Clan-Specific/Kshatriya Race-Specific Objectives• Ending Kansa’s and Jarasandha’s unjust reign • Establishing Dvaraka for the Yadavas• Victory of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata• Becoming a Vasudeva• Role during the masscare of the Yadavas

Krishna

• Friendship with Arjuna• Guiding Arjuna with the Bhagvad Gita• Becoming the Charioteer of Arjuna• Facilitating marriage with Subhadra• Protecting the Pandavas’ descendants during 12 years of exile

Interpretation:• Krishna’s views on action and remuneration in sync with author’s interpretation of

Mahabharata.• Krishna’s elevation to the status of a God does not allow us to appreciate his human

nature at display during the Mahabharata

Gandhari’s chapter not based on the critical edition – author’s interpretation

Chapter divided into three parts:1) When Gandhari finds out about that her husband’s blind2) Gandhari’s state of mind after the death of her sons3) Final conversation between Gandhari and her husband, Dhritarashtra

Gandhari

Author’s version of the incidences brings out the humane aspect in all the characters, presenting their sufferings and losses in great detail than the royal nature of their lives

The three chapters are cleverly used to slowly reveal Gandhari’s opinion and thoughts about her situation and her actions

The dialogue between Gandhari and Dhritarashtra brings forth many aspects of the marriage between the two• Dhritarashtra’s awareness of the injustice done towards Gandhari• Dhritarashtra’s reaction towards Gandhari’s resentment towards her• Privacy of the relationship of a King and a Queen• Common Love towards their children that kept them together• Injustice to self to overcome injustice by others – development of broader perspective• Ghandari’s expression on removing the eye cloth

Interpretations

Draupadi1) Major portion of the chapter deals with comparisons between Sita’s life and Draupadi’s life

both considered heroines of the two great poems• Life before marriage and relative positions in the in-laws families• Exile period - Reasons and living• Mistakes committed by both Sita and Draupadi

2) Significant other incidences mentioned are –• Author’s views on Draupadi’s influence on war• Account of the last journey taken by the Pandavas and Draupadi

Interpretations

Author’s brings out the differences between the narrative styles of Ramyana and Maharabharata through the comparison of the characters Sati and Draupadi

Through Draupadi’s role and her position, the author brings out • Societal relations and expectations esp. from woman of a royal family• Troubles and sorrows caused to families engaged in rivalry and war• Plethora of emotions felt by a human suffering injustice , pain or love –

• Draupadi fumes and froths at her humiliation• Revelation to Draupadi at the time of death of her true lover

KarnaAuthor opens this chapter by a very strong statement that the character defeated most by life in the epic Mahabharata is that of Karna

This Chapter covers his life through major incidences.1) Karna’s life as a Suta2) Foundation and development of his “friendship” with Duryodhan3) Revelation of his true identity4) Events leading to Karna’s DeathInterpretations

Author’s captures through these incidences as to how Karna’s life was spent trying to resolve the identity crisis and the actions taken due to the bitterness that had

developed•Karna’s challenge to Arjuna for a duel•Karna inciting Duryodhan to strip Draupadi in the gathering•Karna’s vow to not hurt anyone but Arjuna in the battefield•Karna’s outburst when Shalya was driving the chariot

Author also observes the dual nature of relationship between Duryodhan and Karna•Duryodhan’s attitude towards Karna•Karna’s loyalty towards Duryodhan


Introduction




Conclusion

• Live through the other. First throughhis children, the Pavudas … « I had no life of my own. Their moment of happiness were my moment of happiness, their moments of sorrow were mine.”

• … then, for his husband, DhritarashtraDecides to blind herself once she learns that Dhritarashtra was born blind.

• Paradoxal, because she loves her child but keep her eyes folded and doesn’t see his son which is unfair.

• Finally, she opens her eyes, but still not for her.« I have opened my eyes not merely for myself but for both of us »

Gandhari

• Gandhari is similar to an heroine:unable to live for herself, she lives forthe other.

• Sacrificed her life for the “greater good”.But she doesn’t take decision. She supports people in their actions.She’s not a leader.

• She is unable to take the control of hislife. She undergoes the events.

• Afraid to live by herself, she died in a forest fire with his husband, unable tofind herself alone in this world.

Gandhari

Bound by Gandalf to go withFrodo Bagins to destruct the ring.

Must follow Frodo from thebeginning til the end.

He forgets himself and lives onlyto protect Frodo.

In the beginning, he seems to suffer the events, but in the end he appears like the true leader of their journey to reach the Mount Doom and destruct the ring.

Comparison: Gandhari and Samwise "Sam" Gamgee

She is the “Chosen One”. It’s her fate since she was born. She hasto kill vampires, risk her life everyday,lives for the other.

She is a princess without kingdom, with more duties than rights.

Able to live for herself and develop a social life. She makes friends and get involve with people she loves.

She never gave up, since according to her«The most difficult thing to do in the world, is to live in.»

but she fights to defend it.

Comparison: Gandhari and Buffy Summers

Born in 1776, she lived at a time where women were not allowed to go to school.

At 13, she felt in love with mathematics, and decide to learn on his own.

Start to exchange letters with Joseph-Louis Lagrange Contribute to change prejudice

against women Great contribution to mathematics,

and in particularly to the elastic theory. Claude-Louis Navier:

“It is a work which few men are able to read and which only one woman was able to write.”

Comparison: Gandhari and Sophie Germain

Krishna and Jesus

Similarity in life and times – Birth, Incarnates and Early Life

Similarity in Teachings –Krishna: "I am the origin of everything, and everything arises out of Me…“ Jesus: "I am the bread of life; he that cometh to me shall never hunger and he that believeth in me shall never thirst."

Equation of a beloved friend rather than an ardent follower (Fear of Failure)

Krishna and Bhishma

Stand for two different value system

Bhishma : The old days of tradition and dynastic grandeur, Least concern about general political unrestKrishna: Initiate a change for the material, moral and spiritual advantage of all

Deviation from the accepted norms to this end will not deter Krishna. Unlike Bhishma, he makes adjustments to the ethical priorities

For the sake of his goals Sri Krishna, on special occasions, takes to means, which in normal circumstances would be called "unjust“

The utilitarianism of Sri Krishna Vs the Utopia of Bhishma

Krishna and Bhishma in the Context of Indian Freedom Struggle


Introduction




Conclusion

Kunti

1) Sorrow and pains in her life2) Honour of being a Kshatriya3) Humble but assertive4) Patient, Waited for opportune moments to take action5) Brought unity in the family6) Persuasive7) Selfless motivation

Important instances of her life

Gave up Karna, her first bornGiven up by her father, her sons were not acknowledged as heirs to the throneGranted the mantra to Madri but refused the second timePlanned the escape from the palace with PandavasDecided that Draupadi will be the wife of all the five sonsSent messages with Krishna to all her sons to remind them of the humiliation

M.C. Mary Kom

Very poor family belonging to Kom tribal community whose father was a landless labour in Manipur

Believes that respect needs to be earned through one’s personal works, through the values one lives for – Case of Manipuri separatists stopping the police van

Dedication, sacrifice and endless fight - Lost all her gear (alongside travel permit) when she went to go to the determination camp of first Asian Ladies’ Boxing Titles

Sacrificed her family life, left her kids behind and worked hard – Her 4 year old was having a hear surgery in Delhi when she was busy in a championship

Persuaded her mentor Ibomcha Singh to prepare her first and conceal it from her family to evade any dissent

Took care of her brother in law’s family, set up a free boxing championship after she started receiving funds

Arjun Award in 2003 Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award – 2009 Padma Shri Award - 2010 Padma Bhushan award - 2013 First Indian woman boxer to get a Gold

Medal in the Asian Games

Comparison: Bhishma and Jayalalitha

Strong desire to keep his family running

Personal sacrifice to realize father’s dream- No marriage

He was in control of the family even though Pandu was the official king

He is impartial & stuck with Duryadona during war with Pandavas

Cold decisions- He arranged marriage to his sons and made atrocity against women

Pandu is impotent. Dhriturashra is blind

Had strong control over the party Personal sacrifice to realize MGR’s dream

of good governance- No marriage She was in control of the party even

when she was not a chief minister She is impartial as she expelled her close

friend Sasikala on grounds of cheating Sole decision maker in the party- Right or

wrong is decided by her All men in the party blindly followed and

respected her Any men revolted against her were

punished severely

Thank You

Leadership & Management

Yuganta mahabharta irawati karwe