Assignment 201: The Tragedy of Subordination

Analyzing Caste, Destiny, and the Subaltern Voice in T. P. Kailasam’s The Curse of Karna

Personal Information

Name:  Makwana Bhargav Arvindbhai 

Roll No: 01

Batch: M.A Sem 3 (2024-2026) 

Enrollment Number: 5108240018

Email: bhargavmakvana221@gmail.com

Assignment Details 

Topic: The Tragedy of Subordination: Analyzing Caste, Destiny, and the Subaltern Voice in T. P. Kailasam’s The Curse of Karna

Words: 2539

Date of  Submission :  7 November 2025

This is the soft copy of my assignment, which has also been submitted in hard copy to the Department of English at MKBU, Bhavnagar.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Play, the Protagonist, and Its Modern Purpose
   

2. Core Themes and Complex Characterization

• A. Fate, Destiny, and Free Will: The Tragic Struggle

• B. Morality, Loyalty, and Betrayal: The Conflicted Hero

• C. Caste, Identity, and the Struggle of the Subaltern

• D. The Voice of the Subaltern: Karna as a Speaking Subaltern
  

3. Caste and Class Conflict: Karna as the Voice of the Subaltern

• A. Defining the Subaltern

• B. The Exclusion of Karna

• C. Karna as a Speaking Subaltern

• D. The Parallel of Ekalavya: A Mirror of Marginalized Merit
  

4. Conclusion: A Timeless Challenge to Morality
   

5. References
   
   

Abstract

T. P. Kailasam’s The Curse of Karna reinterprets the Mahabharata's Karna, exploring themes of caste, destiny, and social injustice. This paper examines how the play uses Karna’s tragic life to critique caste-based subordination and the marginalization of the subaltern. Drawing on the subaltern theory of Ranjit Guha and Gayatri Spivak, it argues that Karna’s story reflects the systemic oppression of marginalized groups. Despite his extraordinary abilities, Karna’s lower-caste status leads to rejection and exclusion. Through themes of fate, morality, and caste discrimination, the paper highlights how Karna’s struggles mirror the silencing of the subaltern, offering a powerful critique of social hierarchies and a call for recognition of human dignity.

I. Introduction: The Play, the Protagonist, and Its Modern Purpose

T. P. Kailasam’s The Curse of Karna is a remarkable modern reinterpretation of the legendary tale of Karna from the Mahabharata. The play centers on Karna, a complex and tragic hero whose life is marked by a curse pronounced by his mother, Kunti, before his birth—condemning him to fall short of his full potential despite his extraordinary abilities. Set in ancient India during the period of the Mahabharata war, Kailasam’s version brings to the fore timeless philosophical and social questions about fate, free will, and human suffering.

Originally written in Kannada and first published in 1946, the play exemplifies Kailasam’s ability to use classical myth to address modern issues. As Dr. S. Radhakrishnan observed in 1960, Kailasam fused “classical thought with contemporary purpose.” Through Karna’s story, the play questions inherited hierarchies of caste, class, and destiny, positioning him as a figure who embodies the struggles of the subaltern—those marginalized by social structures and silenced by dominant narratives.

A. Overview of the Play’s Structure

Kailasam’s five-act structure captures pivotal moments in Karna’s life and downfall:

Act I: Karna leaves the ashram; Parashurama curses him for deceit.

Act II: The royal competition at Hastinapur, where Karna is humiliated.

Act III: Draupadi’s Swayamvara, where Karna is rejected due to caste.

Act IV: The Cheerharan (disrobing) scene, showing Karna’s conflicted morality.

Act V: The battlefield of Kurukshetra—Karna’s meeting with Kunti, his duel with Arjuna, and his tragic death.

Through these episodes, Kailasam creates a poignant psychological and social portrait of a man destroyed not by his flaws but by the oppressive hierarchies of his world.

II. Core Themes and Complex Characterization 

In The Curse of Karna, Kailasam explores profound philosophical and ethical dilemmas, intertwining fate, destiny, moral duty, loyalty, and caste discrimination to shape Karna’s tragic arc. Karna’s life is dominated by an inevitable tension between his agency and his predetermined fate, a struggle that echoes throughout the play, making it a timeless narrative of human complexity.

A. Fate, Destiny, and Free Will: The Tragic Struggle

At the heart of Karna's story is the battle between fate and free will. Karna's life is intricately shaped by a curse placed upon him before his birth, which guarantees his failure at crucial moments despite his capabilities. Born to Kunti and the sun god Surya, Karna is destined for greatness, but his low-caste upbringing and subsequent discrimination prevent him from ever fully realizing his potential.

Karna’s curse, which prohibits him from recalling the knowledge he gains at critical moments, becomes the symbolic force of fate that oppresses him. Despite his personal merit — his skills as a warrior, his loyalty to Duryodhana, and his compassionate nature — he is continually thwarted by social injustice and the cosmic forces that bind him. Throughout the play, Karna wrestles with his own self-determination: should he accept his fate and live with the inevitable tragedy, or should he continue fighting, knowing the outcome is already sealed?

However, Karna’s agency is not without significance. His actions, even within the constraints of his fate, demonstrate the ethical dilemmas of the individual struggling against systemic oppression. While he cannot escape his fate, his decisions — like choosing loyalty over self-interest and honor over expedience — underscore his moral stature. Karna’s actions, though fated to bring him sorrow, are those of a man who has not succumbed to passivity, making him one of the most poignant and morally complex figures in the Mahabharata.

B. Morality, Loyalty, and Betrayal: The Conflicted Hero

Karna’s life is also defined by his moral principles, his sense of loyalty, and the betrayals he faces. His allegiance to Duryodhana, though presented as a noble bond, also leads him into moral conflict. Karna’s loyalty to Duryodhana is rooted not in blind servitude but in gratitude: Duryodhana is the only one who accepts Karna for who he is, overlooking his caste and providing him with respect and power that others deny him.

However, this loyalty comes at a high moral cost. Karna’s involvement in the disrobing of Draupadi (Cheerharan) — a morally reprehensible act — marks a significant moral failing. Despite his internal conflict and his knowledge of dharma, Karna sides with Duryodhana, putting loyalty over justice. This highlights the tragic flaw in Karna’s character: his sense of loyalty and duty blinds him to the larger moral implications of his actions, particularly when they contradict his own sense of righteousness.

Similarly, Karna’s betrayal by Kunti, when she reveals his true parentage just before the battle, compounds his sense of betrayal and rejection. Kunti’s late revelation is perceived by Karna as yet another act of abandonment, a failure to acknowledge his worth as her son throughout his life. This moment of revelation, though intended as a means to bring Karna back to the fold of his brothers, reinforces the tragic reality of Karna's existence: a man of extraordinary ability and noble qualities, forever marginalized by his caste and his birth.

C. Caste, Identity, and the Struggle of the Subaltern

Karna’s complex identity is defined by his social status as a charioteer’s son (Suta), despite being born to a Kshatriya mother and the sun god. His social position leaves him perpetually trapped between the upper castes (Kshatriyas, Brahmins) and the lower castes (Sutas, Shudras). Karna’s internal conflict stems from his dual identity: on one hand, he is the son of a king, with the divine blood of the sun god; on the other hand, he is bound by the humiliating label of being a Suta-putra, a low-caste individual.

This caste discrimination serves as a constant reminder to Karna that, despite his immense talent, he is denied opportunities reserved for the higher castes. From education to battle participation, Karna is continuously rebuffed by those who wield social and political power, including Dronacharya (who refuses to teach him) and Draupadi (who rejects him at her Swayamvara). His status as a Suta-putra becomes an unchangeable barrier that restricts his access to social privileges and recognition, no matter how deserving he is.

The psychological impact of this caste-based rejection is devastating. Karna’s yearning for acceptance is a dominant theme throughout the play. His frustration with the rigidity of the caste system is encapsulated in his question to his father: “Baba, is it a crime to be a Suta-putra? Why do scriptures sanction this class-based discrimination?” Karna’s rhetorical question reflects not only his internal anguish but also a critique of the caste system itself. His tragic life becomes a metaphor for the alienation felt by those who are marginalized by birth, despite possessing immense potential.

Karna’s alienation is further compounded by his rejection of the higher social strata, which denies him both recognition and equality. In his pursuit of respect, Karna finds his only refuge in Duryodhana, who sees beyond his caste and treats him as an equal. Yet, this very bond of loyalty becomes the source of his downfall, as it ties him to a cause that ultimately betrays him.

D. The Voice of the Subaltern: Karna as a Speaking Subaltern

Karna, as an embodiment of the subaltern voice, represents the marginalized individuals who are systematically excluded and oppressed by social structures. In this context, his story reflects the theory of the subaltern, as articulated by Ranjit Guha and Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, who argue that the subaltern is often unable to have their voice heard within the dominant power structures.

Spivak’s famous question, “Can the subaltern speak?”, is particularly resonant here. While Spivak argues that the subaltern is unable to speak due to the overpowering structures of colonial power, Karna’s story suggests the contrary: the subaltern can speak, but no one listens. Karna, despite his towering personality, his strength, and his moral code, is repeatedly dismissed due to his caste. He speaks, but his voice is ignored, rejected, or subordinated by those in positions of power.

This silencing of the subaltern is most evident in Karna’s interactions with Dronacharya, Draupadi, and even his own brothers.

III. Caste and Class Conflict: Karna as the Voice of the Subaltern

Kailasam’s portrayal of Karna acquires profound depth when examined through Subaltern Theory. Karna’s life embodies the predicament of those silenced and marginalized by the hierarchical order—making him a voice of the subaltern within the epic and its modern adaptations.

A. Defining the Subaltern

The term subaltern originally referred to a subordinate military rank but was later extended to describe socially, politically, or culturally marginalized groups. Antonio Gramsci used it to denote those excluded from hegemonic power structures, while Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak’s essay “Can the Subaltern Speak?” explored whether such voices can ever truly be heard within dominant discourses.

A subaltern’s voice is not merely unheard—it is systematically suppressed. The subaltern does not lack speech; rather, society refuses to listen. In Kailasam’s play, Karna becomes a striking symbol of this condition: a man of extraordinary merit condemned to invisibility by caste prejudice.

B. The Exclusion of Karna

Karna’s exclusion operates at every level of his existence. Though divine by birth, his upbringing as a charioteer’s son permanently disqualifies him from recognition. Ancient India’s rigid social order denies him education, marriage, and military honor—rights reserved for upper castes.

Key instances of systemic exclusion include:

• Dronacharya’s rejection of Karna from martial training because he is not a Kshatriya.
  
  

• Parashurama’s curse, following Karna’s deceit to gain knowledge, symbolizing divine sanction of caste barriers.
  
  

• Draupadi’s rejection, which humiliates him publicly and reinforces social hierarchy.
  
  

Adhiratha’s explanation that caste divisions are “tools used by those in power to subjugate the weak” encapsulates the essence of subaltern oppression. Karna’s internalization of this injustice creates a dual consciousness—he recognizes his worth yet is bound by society’s definition of inferiority.

C. Karna as a Speaking Subaltern

In Spivak’s framework, the subaltern “cannot speak” because their voice cannot penetrate dominant systems of representation. Yet Karna’s life offers a paradox: he does speak, through his courage, skill, and integrity, but his words fall on deaf ears. His voice echoes through the epic as an assertion of human dignity denied by social stratification.

Kailasam’s interpretation grants Karna a measure of agency. Unlike Ekalavya, whose voice is erased entirely, Karna constantly challenges his marginalization. He refuses to succumb to self-pity, channeling his humiliation into determination. His defiance—embodied in his alliance with Duryodhana—is not mere gratitude but an act of rebellion against the social order that excluded him.

Still, Karna’s tragedy proves Spivak’s point: even when the subaltern speaks, society does not listen. His courage cannot transcend the walls built by caste and fate. His death on the battlefield, unrecognized as Kunti’s eldest son, completes his erasure from the historical narrative of victory.

D. The Parallel of Ekalavya: A Mirror of Marginalized Merit

Adhiratha’s recounting of Ekalavya’s story serves as a mirror to Karna’s own fate. Ekalavya, belonging to the Nishada tribe, is refused training by Dronacharya, who teaches only royal students. Undeterred, Ekalavya learns by practicing before a clay image of Dronacharya, becoming a master archer through sheer dedication. When Dronacharya later demands his right thumb as guru dakshina, Ekalavya obeys, sacrificing his skill.

This story, retold within the play, underscores the systemic suppression of talent from lower castes. Both Ekalavya and Karna represent extraordinary merit stifled by institutional power. The narrative reveals how the ruling elite preserves its dominance by denying the marginalized access to knowledge and recognition.

Through this parallel, Kailasam critiques the moral hypocrisy of a civilization that preaches virtue yet perpetuates inequality. Ekalavya’s silence and Karna’s unheeded voice together represent the tragedy of the subaltern condition—existence without acknowledgment.

IV. Conclusion: A Timeless Challenge to Morality

T. P. Kailasam’s The Curse of Karna endures as a powerful exploration of the intersection between fate, morality, and social injustice. By reinterpreting the Mahabharata through a modern lens, Kailasam transforms Karna’s personal tragedy into a universal commentary on the oppression of merit by rigid social hierarchies.

Karna’s life—shaped by abandonment, discrimination, and loyalty—embodies the pain of the subaltern subject. Though born noble, he dies stigmatized, never recognized for his worth. His curse thus becomes symbolic: a metaphor for how systems of power curse the marginalized, ensuring their silence even in death.

Through the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and destiny, Kailasam compels his audience to question traditional morality and caste-based privilege. Karna emerges as a hero not because he triumphs, but because he endures. His story exposes the tragic truth that in societies governed by hierarchy, greatness often lies buried beneath the weight of injustice.

Kailasam’s play, therefore, remains not just a retelling of an epic but a timeless meditation on human dignity—a plea for a world where worth is measured by virtue, not birth.

V. Personal Reflection: The Enduring Echo of Subordination

This research into T. P. Kailasam’s The Curse of Karna through the framework of Subaltern Theory revealed a profound and troubling continuity between the ancient narrative and modern social dynamics. The most striking realization was the practical application of Spivak’s paradox: Karna, the charismatic, brave, and articulate warrior, speaks loudly through his actions and words, yet is consistently silenced by the institutional mechanisms of caste.

The initial sympathy for Karna’s fated misfortune quickly transforms into a critical recognition of his systemic oppression. His tragic end is not merely a cinematic climax but a social indictment: greatness, when born into a marginalized identity, is punishable. The parallel with Ekalavya, retold by Adhiratha, serves as a powerful mirror, reflecting a history where merit is purposefully sacrificed to preserve the ruling elite's hegemony (Guha's concept).

For me, the key takeaway is the active nature of subordination. Caste is not a passive identifier; it is an active tool (Adhiratha’s explanation of "tools used by those in power") that dictates who is worthy of respect and who is condemned to the margins. Karna's story thus transcends a simple mythic tragedy to become a timeless commentary on the fight for dignity and recognition—a fight that defines the struggles of the subaltern across all eras and cultures, urging the reader to not just pity the victim, but to critique the system that creates them.

References 

1. Kailasam, T. P. The Curse of Karna: An Impression of Sophocles in Five Acts. B. S. Rama Rao, 1946.
2. Gramsci, Antonio. Selections from the Prison Notebooks. Edited and translated by Quintin Hoare and Geoffrey Nowell Smith, International Publishers, 1971.
3. Spivak, Gayatri Chakravorty. “Can the Subaltern Speak?” Marxism and the Interpretation of Culture, edited by Cary Nelson and Lawrence Grossberg, U of Illinois P, 1988, pp. 271–313.
4. Radhakrishnan, S. Foreword. The Curse of Karna, by T. P. Kailasam, B. S. Rama Rao, 1960.
5. Vyasa. The Mahabharata: A Shortened Prose Version of the Epic. Translated by C. V. Narasimhan, Columbia UP, 1999.