Week 13 Reading Diary B: Battle of the Pandavas and Kauravas

This reading mostly covered the battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas. Even though I knew the Pandavas would win, I was still on the edge of my seat, especially when Arjuna fought Karna. I thought it was sad that Karna had to die. I was really hoping he would have a change of heart and join his brothers, though that was probably very unrealistic from the start. The whole battle is kind of sad, actually. Particularly when Arjuna explained to Krishna why it was so difficult for him to fight Bhishma, his grandfather. He remembered playing with him as a child, and he couldn't kill him right away. So it was kind of heartbreaking when he eventually did.

The reading ended with Duryodhana hiding out in a lake. Seemed kind of cowardly. His few remaining friends asked him to come out and fight with them, but he refused on account of he was tired. Sanjaya describes him as such an incredible warrior, but this was kind of a wimpy move, I think.

(Duryodhana found in the lake)

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.