Mahabharata
Introduction
The Noble Prince
Amba
The Birth of Karna
The Pandava Princes
The Great Archer
The Charioteer's Son
The Shellac Palace
The Slaying of Bakasura
Draupadi's Swayamvara
The Rajasuya Sacrifice
The Game of Dice
In Exile
The Year in Hiding
The Defence of Matsya
The Exile Ends
Envoys and Missions
Karna
Preparing for the War
Kurukshetra and After
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The Charioteer's Son

The young princes of Hastinapura grew to be fine and strong young men. Drona and Kripa taught them the skills that all kshatriyas had to master. In the course of time, Drona felt that his pupils had reached a high degree of skill and had mastered all their lessons. They were now without rivals in the whole land.

As was the custom, Drona fixed a day for a tournament, at which his pupils could display their skills to the world.

All the people of Hastinapura were invited to this tournament. The princes got a chance to display their skills. Fighting with their maces, Bhima and Duryodhana kept the spectators spellbound. At one time their contest threatened to develop into a real fight when Ashwatthama, Drona's son, separated them.

Dronacharya presented Arjuna last off all. His unique skill amazed everyone. With the fire-weapon he created a fire, and with the rain-weapon he brought a shower to put it out.

At that moment, there arose from the crowd a young man dressed in shining armour and bearing arms. He strode towards the enclosure where the royal princes stood-a tall broad shouldered youth, fair of face and keen of eye. Though he came from the crowd of commoners, he walked boldly and stood straight, carrying himself more proudly than any prince.

He entered the enclosure, and, bowing to all he announced loudly: "I too wish to display my skill before the gathering... for I can prove that Arjuna's feats are child's play to me."

With Drona's permission Karna repeated with ease all of Arjuna's feats. Great was Duryodhana's joy! He threw his arms around Karna and said, "Welcome, O mighty warrior! I and the kingdom of the Kurus are at your command."

The warrior thanked Duryodhana: "I shall not forget your kindness and generosity," he answered. "I have something indeed to ask of you, Prince!"

Then raising his voice, he said, "Let me have permission to fight a duel with Arjuna."

"I accept the challenge!" Arjuna said eagerly. "I will fight this stranger."

As they were about to start the duel, Kripacharya stepped in and addressed Karna: "Reveal, O mighty one, your parentage and the race made noble by your birth. It is only after knowing these that Arjuna can fight with you, for high born princes cannot engage in single combat with unknown warriors.

When he heard these words Karna hung his head. At that, Duryodhana stood up and said, "If the combat cannot take place simply because Karna is not a prince, why, that is easily remedied. I hereby crown Karna king of Anga." He then performed the necessary rites, giving Karna the crown, jewels and royal insignia of the kingdom of Anga.

Just as the combat was about to begin, the old charioteer Adiratha entered the assembly, staff in hand and quaking with fear. On seeing him Karna bowed and touched his feet. Bhima roared with laughter and said, "O, he is only the son of a charioteer! He is not worthy of death at the hands of Arjuna." Burning in rage Duryodhana took Karna by the hand and rode away with him in his chariot.