Rashmirathi Chapter 1 Part 2 | Brave Karna Vs Brave Arjuna - ThePoemStory

Introduction

Rashmirathi Chapter 1 Part 2. I have broken it into parts for the convenient of reading and translation. Those who are not aware of the story of Mahabharata, will easily understand the context and detailed meaning of the Rashmirathi Book.

In the last part: Rashmirathi Chapter 1 Part 1 we learnt that Karna despite of being rejected by the society, trained himself into a warrior. He learnt different war techniques and practiced the use of weapons. Now it was the time for him to emerge in front of the society and prove his mettle.

In this part, Arjuna is being projected as a trained warrior and it seems it is the graduation ceremony of Arjuna, where he is to show his expertise and knowledge of weapons which he learnt from Guru Dronacharya.

Karna had gone to Dronacharya for learning as well. However, being a royal teacher, Dronacharya rejected him saying that he cannot teach a low caste. This was to project and prepare Arjuna for the one and only great archers or warrior. One another person was Eklavya.

Let us read the poem and we will get the details line by line.

Read the previous chapter: Rashmirathi Chapter 1 Part 1

Rashmirathi in Hindi, Chapter 1 Part 2

Rashmirathi Lyrics Extracted from Rashmirathi Book

रंग-भूमि में अर्जुन था जब समाँ अनोखा बाँधे,
बढ़ा भीड़-भीतर से सहसा कर्ण शरासन साधे।
कहता हुआ, “तालियों से क्या रहा गर्व में फूल?
अर्जुन! तेरा सुयश अभी क्षण में होता है धूल।

“तुने जो-जो किया, उसे मैं भी दिखला सकता हूँ,
चाहे तो कुछ नयी कलाएँ भी सिखला सकता हूँ।
आँख खोलकर देख, कर्ण के हाथों का व्यापार,
फूले सस्ता सुयश प्राप्त कर, उस नर को धिक्कार।”

इस प्रकार कह लगा दिखाने कर्ण कलाएँ रण की,
सभा स्तब्ध रह गयी, गयी रह आँख टँगी जन-जन की।
मन्त्र-मुग्ध-सा मौन चतुर्दिक् जन का पारावार,
गूँज रही थी मात्र कर्ण की धन्वा की टङ्कार।

फिरा कर्ण, त्यों साधु-साधु कह उठे सकल नर-नारी।
राजवंश के नेताओं पर पड़ी विपद् अति भारी।
द्रोण, भीष्म, अर्जुन, सब फीके, सब हो रहे उदास,
एक सुयोधन बढ़ा, बोलते हुए, “वीर! शाबाश!”

द्वन्द्व-युद्ध के लिए पार्थ को फिर उसने ललकारा,
अर्जुन को चुप ही रहने का गुरु ने किया इशारा।
कृपाचार्य ने कहा-”सुनो हे वीर युवक अनजान।
भरत-वंश-अवतंस पाण्डु की अर्जुन है सन्तान।”

“क्षत्रिय है, यह राजपुत्र है, यों ही नहीं लड़ेगा,
जिस-तिस से हाथापाई में कैसे कूद पड़ेगा?
अर्जुन से लड़ना हो तो मत गहो सभा में मौन,
नाम-धाम कुछ कहो, बताओ कि तुम जाति हो कौन?”

‘जाति! हाय री जाति!’ कर्ण का हृदय क्षोभ से डोला,
कुपित सूर्य की ओर देख वह वीर क्रोध से बोला—
“जाति-जाति रटते, जिनकी पूँजी केवल प़ाषण्ड,
मैं क्या जानूँ जाति? जाति हैं ये मेरे भुजदण्ड।

“ऊपर सिर पर कनक-छत्र, भीतर काले-के-काले,
शरमाते हैं नहीं जगत् में जाति पूछनेवाले।
सूतपुत्र हूँ मैं, लेकिन, थे पिता पार्थ के कौन?
साहस हो तो कहो, ग्लानि से रह जाओ मत मौन।

“मस्तक ऊँचा किये, जाति का नाम लिये चलते हो,
पर, अधर्ममय शोषण के बल से सुख में पलते हो।
अधम जातियों से थर-थर काँपते तुम्हारे प्राण,
छल से माँग लिया करते हो अंगूठे का दान।

“पूछो मेरी जाति, शक्ति हो तो, मेरे भुजबल से,
रवि-समान दीपित ललाट से, और कवच-कुण्डल से।
पढ़ो उसे जो झलक रहा है मुझमें तेज-प्रकाश,
मेरे रोम-रोम में अंकित है मेरा इतिहास।

“अर्जुन बड़ा वीर क्षत्रिय है तो आगे वह आवे,
क्षत्रियत्व का तेज जरा मुझको भी तो दिखलावे।
अभी छीन इस राजपुत्र के कर से तीर-कमान,
अपनी महाजाति की दूँगा मैं तुमको पहचान।”
~ Ramdhari Singh Dinkar

Meaning of Rashmirathi Chapter 1 Part 2

In this part, Arjuna is depicted as a skilled warrior, showcasing his prowess and knowledge of weapons acquired under the tutelage of Guru Dronacharya. Karna, too, sought to learn from Dronacharya, but due to his low caste, he was rejected, thereby emphasizing Arjuna’s exceptional status as the foremost archer and warrior. Another individual named Eklavya also factors into this narrative. To delve deeper into the details, let us explore the poem itself, line by line. For reference, you can also revisit the previous chapter, Rashmirathi Chapter 1 Part 1, here. The following section presents the Hindi rendition of Rashmirathi Chapter 1 Part 2, along with the extracted lyrics and their meanings.

Rashmirathi Lyrics in English with Meaning

rang-bhoomi mein arjun tha jab samaan anokha baandhe,
badha bheed-bheetar se sahasa karn sharaasan saadhe.
kahata hua, “taaliyon se kya raha garv mein phool?
arjun! tera suyash abhee kshan mein hota hai dhool.
~ Ramdhari Singh Dinkar

This is a scene where the stage was set for Arjuna to show his excellent capabilities. Arjuna was showing his excellent talent, and everybody was amazed by watching it. Suddenly, from the crowd Karna came forward holding his bow and arrows saying, “what pride do you take in the clapping?” You are feeling proud because people are clapping on what are you showing to them. O! Arjun, I can ruin and destroy your pride in a moment.

Karna Vs Arjuna

“tune jo-jo kiya, use main bhee dikhala sakata hoon,
chaahe to kuchh nayi kalayien bhi sikhala sakata hoon.
aankh kholakar dekh, karn ke haathon ka vyapar,
phoole sasta suyash prapt kar, us nar ko dhikkar.”
~ Ramdhari Singh Dinkar

Later he says, whatever you have done, I can also do it. Moreover, if you wish, I can teach you some more new techniques. O! Arjuna, open your eyes and see how Karna’s hands show you the magic or the art of archery. It is a shame on you that you feel pride in some cheap way of gaining the popularity. Reason why Karna said this, because the stage was particularly set for Arjuna and there was no competition set.

is prakaar kah laga dikhane karn kalayien ran kei,
sabha stabdh rah gayi, gayi rah aankh tangi jan-jan ki.
mantr-mugdh-sa maun chaturdik jan ka paravar,
goonj rahi thi matr karn ki dhanva ki tankar.
~ Ramdhari Singh Dinkar

Saying this, Karna started showing his talent and the art of war. Seeing Karna’s talent on bow and arrow, the crowd was stunned and motionless. They could not remove their eyes even for a moment. There was pin drop silence as people were enchanted by Karna’s excellent skills and the only sound that everybody could hear was the sound of Karna’s bow strings.

phira karn, tyon saadhu-saadhu kah uthe sakal nar-naaree.
raajavansh ke netaon par padee vipad ati bhaaree.
dron, bheeshm, arjun, sab pheeke, sab ho rahe udaas,
ek suyodhan badha, bolate hue, “veer! shaabaash!”
~ Ramdhari Singh Dinkar

The moment Karna turned back after showing his talent, people started praising him. The royal leaders were perplexed and could not understand a thing. They were troubled with the talent that Karna showed. Drona, Bheeshma, Arjuna, all became pale and sad. The only person who came forward was Suyodhana (real name of Duryodhana) and he said “Well Done O! Brave man”.

dvandv-yuddh ke lie paarth ko phir usane lalakara,
arjun ko chup hee rahne ka guru ne kiya ishara.
kripacharya ne kaha-” Suno he veer yuvak anajan.
bharat-vansh-avatans paandu ki arjun hai santaan.”

“kshatriy hai, yah rajaputra hai, yu hi nahi ladega,
jis-tis se haatha-paee mein kaise kood padega?
arjun se ladna ho to mat gaho sabha mein maun,
naam-dhaam kuchh kaho, batao ki tum jaati ho kaun?”
~ Ramdhari Singh Dinkar

In support of Karna, Suyodhana (Duryodhana) called Arjuna (Arjuna is also known as Parth) for a duel. But Arjuna’s teacher Guru Drona, signaled him to keep quiet. Kripacharya, then came forward and said, listen O! unknown brave man, Arjuna is one of the children of Pandu, who is born in the great Bharat clan.

Kripacharya continues, “Arjuna is a kshatriya, born in a royal family, he cannot fight or compete with you. He is not an ordinary person who will compete with you. He cannot jump into a dual with anyone who is not his level. If you really want to compete or fight with Arjuna, do not keep quiet. Tell us your name and the caste or class you belong to”.

Kripacharya asks Karna about his caste and class. Arjuna as a Kshatriya can only compete and accept duals with other kshatriyas. Karna was not a kshatriya or was he? He was born to Kunti; however, he was abandoned and was brought up by a charioteer family. He was the biological son of Kunti, he was a kshatriya, but this was a secret. Being a kshatriya, he was a son of charioteer and could not compete with Arjuna. So, the question is “Was Karna a better archer than Arjuna?”. So far, we do not know as he was not allowed to compete with Arjuna.

‘jaati! haay ree jaati!’ karn ka hriday kshobh se dola,
kupit surya ki or dekh vah veer krodh se bola—
“jaati-jaati ratate, jinaki poonji keval paakhand,
main kya jaanoon jaati? jaati hain ye mere bhujadand.
~ Ramdhari Singh Dinkar

Listening to Kripacharya’s words, Karna was hurt and was saddened. He looked up to the Sun and said with anger and frustration, “Caste, Class, and Creed, Alas! why this question is being asked every time?” People who only ask for caste and creed seem to be fraudulent in nature. The reality is, they cannot compete. They use the discrimination as a weapon to escape the fact. I do not know what my class or caste is, I only know that my class is identified by the power in my arms. My power lies in my talent.

“oopar sir par kanak-chhatr, bheetar kaale-ke-kaale,
sharamate hain nahin jagat mein jaati poochhne Wale.
sootaputra hoon main, lekin, the pita paarth ke kaun?
saahas ho to kaho, glaani se rah jao mat maun.
~ Ramdhari Singh Dinkar

These royal people, who have golden umbrellas on their head, but from inside, they are black. They might seem royal and cultured from outside, but from inside they keep a low mindset. These people are not ashamed of asking the caste and class of others. Then Karna asks a question that was about to shock everyone.

Karna says “I agree that I am a son of a charioteer, but who is the real father of Arjuna? If you dare, tell the truth to everyone and do not keep quiet”. Karna knew that Arjuna was born of Indra, as a result of Kunti’s boon.

“mastak ooncha kiye, jaati ka naam liye chalte ho,
par, adharmamay shoshan ke bal se sukh mein palate ho.
adham jaatiyon se thar-thar kanpate tumhare praan,
chhal se maang liya karate ho angoothe ka daan.
~ Ramdhari Singh Dinkar

You take pride of your caste, but you follow unrighteous practices in reality to gain the pleasure. You are scared of people of low caste, and hence, you take the thumb of people. (Karna refers to the story of Eklavya)

Story of Eklavya

Eklavya is a character in Mahabharata. He was born in a low caste of Nishad (fishermen) also called Mallah. Eklavya went to Guru Dronacharya to learn archery. But Dronacharya refused to teach Eklavya as he was a low caste. Dronacharya was a royal teacher and used to teach only princes. He was greatly affectionate about Arjuna and wanted him to be the un-raveled archer.

After getting refused by Dhronacharya, Eklavya established his statue in forest and starts practicing archery. He toned his skill with great concentration and became an excellent archer.

One day, a dog came to the place where Eklavya was practicing his archery and started barking loudly. That disturbed Eklavya and he shot arrows in dog’s mouth. That dog stopped barking as its mouth was stuffed with arrows. This was Dronacharya’s dog.

Princes and Dronacharya were searching for the dog and finally they arrived at the place where Eklavya was practicing. They found the dog with arrows stuffed in its mouth; however, it was surprise to them as the dog was not hurt at all. Dronacharya understood that Eklavya has become an extraordinary archer.

Dronacharya asked Eklavya about his teacher. Eklavya said that he considered Dronacharya as his teacher and established his statue. Dronacharya was shocked, however, he feared that Eklavya can surpass Arjuna in archery.

He asked Eklavya, “As you consider me as your teacher, you need to pay me the price as Guru Dakshina.” As the price of his teaching, he asked Eklavya to give his right-hand thumb which he used for shooting arrows. Eklavya happily gave his thumb.

With this Dronacharya was able to remove a great competitor for Arjuna.

Rashmirathi

“poochho meri jaati, shakti ho to, mere bhujabal se,
ravi-saman deepit lalaat se, aur kavach-kundal se.
padho use jo jhalak raha hai mujhamen tej-prakaash,
mere rom-rom mein ankit hai mera itihaas.
~ Ramdhari Singh Dinkar

If you dare, ask my caste my religion from the power of my arms. Ask my religion from my glorious forehead that shines like the Sun or ask it from my gold Armour and the gold earrings that I wear. Try and read the brilliant and glorious light that comes from my face. My story and history are inscribed in each and every part of my strong body.

Karna was the son of God Sun (Surya). So, he had an Armour and pair of earrings by birth attached to his body. Being the son of Sun God, he had the bright appearance.

“arjun bada veer kshatriya hai to aage wah aave,
kshatriyatva ka tej jara mujhko bhi to dikhalave.
abhi chheen is rajaputra ke kar se teer-kaman,
apanee mahajati ki doonga main tumko pehchan.”
~ Ramdhari Singh Dinkar

If Arjuna is brave and an excellent warrior, he should come forward and face me. If it is only that Kshatriyas as brave, let Arjuna show it. I challenges that I will let this royal prince drop his bows and arrows from his hands and show my great clan, which is my bravery, my glory, and my courage.

Karna and Arjuna Birth Story

Karna and Arjun were sons of Kunti. Kunti had a boon that she can summon any 5 God of her choice and bear a son from him. She was unmarried and to test her boon, she summoned the God Sun and Karna was born. As she was unmarried and could not accept Karna, she abandoned him. After marriage, she summoned God Indra and had Arjuna as a son.

Abandoned Karna was found and raised by a charioteer and hence was considered a low caste and was barred from challenging Arjuna.

Summary

Hope you have gone through the post. In this part, Karna challenges during a show which was arranged for Arjuna. Arjuna was to show his excellent archery. Karna comes and challenges Arjuna. The debate happens and finally, it came to the caste of Karna. As he belonged to a charioteer family, he was not allowed to compete with Arjuna. There is an account of Eklavya as well. Read the short story of Eklavya.

This is a satire by Ramdhari Singh Dinkar on people or the society which considers the clan or caste greater than talent. Ramdhari Singh Dinkar shows the humiliation that a talented person goes through, when he is discriminated against his caste and birth.

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About the Author

Nitesh Sinha

Nitesh Sinha is an IT Professional working for a multinational company. His affinity to literature, poems and stories as well as knowledge of IT Technologies when clubbed together brings to you to ThePoemStory.He is working on to develop the Android Application that will bring you quality literature to your mobile devices.

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