Week 13 Reading Diary A: Pre-Battle

One of the most interesting parts of this reading was the friendship between Karna and Krishna. Their conversation on the chariot was surprising because it previously seemed as though Karna scorned Krishna as an enemy on the Pandavas' side. Karna's loyalty to Duryodhana is so interesting because his brothers are the Pandavas. Further, Arjuna is his sworn enemy, but he's his brother! Krishna explains Karna's history and makes that argument, but Karna's mind is unchanged. Very interesting. I found a picture of that scene, which I have included below.

(Krisna explains to Karna)

Another thing that I suppose I have noticed in the readings but have not really commented on is the relationship between kings/warriors and their charioteers. Dhritarashtra speaks with Sanjaya as one of his most trusted friends and advisers. Similarly, Arjuna and Krishna are incredibly close. I think I remember that the Ayodhyan king had a strong friendship with his charioteer, too, in the Ramayana. He even married Kaikeyi, who drove his chariot when he was younger. It all really shows the great value of that position in that period of time.