Section CCLII - Karna's Conquests: Subjection of Kings and Tributes
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CCLII including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
Karna besieged and subjugated the city of Drupada, making him pay tribute, and then proceeded to conquer various kingdoms in different directions, including the Angas, Bangas, Kalingas, and more, making them all pay dues. He eventually conquered the entire earth, bringing rulers from all directions under his sway, including the Avantis, Vrishnis, Yavanas, and many others. After achieving victory, Karna returned to Hastinapura, where he was praised by some and criticized by others, but ultimately hailed as a mighty warrior by Dhritarashtra, who saw Karna as his refuge and savior. The kings of Hastinapura were divided in their opinions about Karna's conquests, with some praising him while others remained silent.
Karna's triumphs led to a clamor in Hastinapura, with some kings praising him for his feats while others criticized him. Despite the mixed reactions, Karna was lauded by Dhritarashtra, who saw him as a worthy protector and supporter, even likening him to a son. Karna's conquests extended across the earth, from mountains to oceans, from forests to cities, bringing various monarchs under his subjugation and gaining immense wealth and power. His success led Duryodhana and Sakuni to believe that the Pandavas had already been defeated by Karna in battle.
Full English translation:
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Section CCLII, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section CCLII:
Who did Karna conquer and bring under subjection in his conquests?
Karna conquered Drupada, kings of Himavat, eastern, southern, and western regions. He also defeated Rukmi and Sisupala’s son among others.
What did Karna receive from the kings he conquered?
Karna received tribute in the form of silver, gold, gems, and dues from the conquered kings. Rukmi offered him gold coins as a sign of respect.
How did Karna's conquest impact the city of Hastinapura?
Karna's conquest led to a mixed reaction in Hastinapura with some kings praising him, others censuring him, and some remaining silent. Dhritarashtra embraced Karna, signifying his approval of his achievements.
Daily life: Karna's Conquests: Subjection of Kings and Tributes:
The tale of Karna's conquests illustrates the power of determination, skill, and the pursuit of goals against all odds. In daily life, this story can inspire us to set clear objectives, regardless of the challenges we might face. Like Karna, we should be prepared to navigate through different "territories" of our problems and ambitions, using our talents and resilience to overcome them. It's crucial to confront each challenge head-on, adapting and learning as we progress.
Karna's journey also highlights the importance of recognition and seeking acknowledgment from those we respect or work for, as seen in his return to Hastinapura and interaction with Dhritarashtra. This teaches us the value of seeking feedback and affirmation, not for vanity but as a way to gauge our progress and impact. However, his story also serves as a reminder that success and accolades may elicit mixed reactions from others, prompting us to stay humble and focused on our path without overly seeking approval.
Ultimately, Karna's tale is a metaphor for the pursuit of excellence and the relentless drive to achieve one's goals, urging us to navigate our daily lives with courage, ambition, and resilience. It reminds us to approach life's battles with strategic thought and determination, to earn our place and respect in our personal and professional circles.