Does Karna believe in the cause of Duryodhana? If not, then why does he continue his alliance with him? Elaborate.

Does Karna believe in the cause of Duryodhana? If not, then why does he continue his alliance with him? Elaborate.

Ans : In the Mahabharata, Karna is one of the most complex and tragic characters, and his relationship with Duryodhana is central to his role in the epic. Although Karna fights on Duryodhana’s side in the great war of Kurukshetra, he does not fully believe in the justice or righteousness of Duryodhana’s cause. In the episode “The Temptation of Karna” from the Udyoga Parva, this inner conflict becomes clear when Krishna reveals to Karna the truth about his divine birth and urges him to join the Pandavas.

Karna openly admits that dharma (righteousness) lies with the Pandavas. He is fully aware that Duryodhana’s actions — such as the disrobing of Draupadi, the deceitful dice game, and the denial of the Pandavas' rightful share of the kingdom — are unjust and driven by jealousy and ambition. Karna even confesses that he knows the Pandavas will win because Krishna is on their side, and wherever Krishna is, victory and justice follow.

However, despite not believing in Duryodhana’s cause, Karna chooses to remain loyal to him. This decision is not based on ignorance, hatred, or personal gain, but on deeper emotional and moral reasons:

 

1. Gratitude to Duryodhana:

When Karna was humiliated in the court of Hastinapur and mocked for being a charioteer’s son, it was Duryodhana who stood by him and gave him dignity. He made Karna the king of Anga and treated him like a true Kshatriya. Karna never forgot this gesture. He once said,

“When all rejected me, Duryodhana held my hand.”

This sense of debt and gratitude becomes the main reason Karna cannot abandon Duryodhana.

 

2. Loyalty and Friendship:

Karna sees Duryodhana not just as a political ally, but as a true friend. He believes that true friendship is tested in times of crisis, and standing by a friend in war is a warrior's duty. To Karna, betraying Duryodhana at such a crucial time would be the greatest sin.

 

3. Personal Honour and Self-Worth:

Karna had always lived with the stigma of being “low-born” and wanted to prove his worth to the world. His rivalry with Arjuna and his desire to win fame and recognition push him to stay on the battlefield. By staying with Duryodhana, he believes he is honouring his own self-worth and the commitment he made as a warrior.

 

4. Acceptance of Fate:

In his conversation with Krishna, Karna shows a clear awareness of his destiny. He accepts that death is inevitable and that he is walking into it knowingly. This acceptance of fate adds a tragic nobility to his decision.

Conclusion:

Karna does not believe in the moral cause of Duryodhana, but he chooses to stay with him out of gratitude, loyalty, and a personal sense of honour. He sacrifices righteousness for the sake of friendship and duty, even though he knows it will lead to his downfall. This makes Karna one of the most noble yet tragic figures in the Mahabharata — a man who chooses death over disloyalty, and honour over victory.