CHARACTER ANALYSIS OF MAJOR CHARACTERS

IN C. RAJAGOPALACHARI’S MAHABHARATA

A Project Report submitted to Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science

(Autonomous) in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of the degree of

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ENGLISH

Submitted by
GUHA PRIYA K S
Reg. No.: 19116009

Under the Guidance of

Prof. KARTHIKEYAN P
Assistant Professor

PG & RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

SRI RAMAKRISHNA COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE
(AUTONOMOUS)

(Re-accredited by NAAC with ‘A+’ Grade & An ISO 9001:2008 Certified Institution)
DECEMBER 2021
CERTIFICATE
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project work entitled, CHARACTER ANALYSIS

OF MAJOR CHARACTERS IN C. RAJAGOPALACHARI’S MAHABHARATA,

submitted to Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science (Autonomous), in partial

fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Bachelor of Arts in

English Literature, is a record of original work done by GUHA PRIYA K S (Reg. No.

19116009) in the year 2021 at the PG & Research Department of English, Sri

Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science (Autonomous), Coimbatore under my

supervision and guidance and the project work has not formed the basis for the award

of any Degree/Diploma or other similar titles of any candidate of any institution.

GUIDE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT

Submitted for the Viva-voce Examination held on ___________

______________________ _______________________
INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER
DECLARATION
 DECLARATION

I, GUHA PRIYA K S, hereby declare that this project work entitled

CHARACTER ANALYSIS OF MAJOR CHARACTERS IN

C.RAJAGOPALACHARI’S MAHABHARATA submitted to the PG & Research

Department of English, Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science (Autonomous),

Coimbatore, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of

Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, is an original work done by me during

December 2021 under the supervision and guidance Prof. KARTHIKEYAN P,

Assistant Professor, PG & Research Department of English, Sri Ramakrishna College of

Arts and Science (Autonomous), Coimbatore, and this project has not formed the basis

for the award of any Degree/ Diploma or other similar titles of any candidate of any

institution.

GUHA PRIYA K. S.

Reg. No.: 1916009

Place: COIMBATORE

Date:
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my deep sense of gratitude to our Managing Trustee of

SNR Sons Charitable Trust, Shri. D. LAKSHMINARAYANASWAMY for

providing a rich academic environment to enlighten my knowledge in his esteemed

institution.

I wish to express a sense of gratitude to Dr. B. L. SHIVAKUMAR, Principal

and Secretary, Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science (Autonomous),

Coimbatore, for the initiative and inspiration provided to perform this project work.

I take this opportunity to express my indebtedness and profound sense of

gratitude to Dr. R. KARUNAMBIGAI, Associate Professor & Head, Department of

English for the valuable guidance, help and encouragement for the successful

completion of this project work.

I am deeply indebted to my guide Prof. KARTHIKEYAN P, Assistant

Professor, Department of English for his benevolent attitude, constant guidance in

moulding the project to fine dimension.

I express my gratitude to all the members of staff of the Department of English,

Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science (Autonomous), for their motivation and

encouragement.

I express my heartfelt thanks to my parents and friends for their moral support

and help to complete this project. I thank the Almighty for the blessings that rendered

mental and physical strength to complete the project work.

CONTENTS
 CONTENTS

CHAPTERS TITLE PAGE NO.

I INTRODUCTION 1

II CHARACTER ANALYSIS 8

III SUMMING UP 22

WORKS CITED 25
 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION
Indian Literature refers to the works, which were written in India. These were

mainly written in the Vernacular languages of India namely – Sanskrit, Prakrit, Pali,

Bengali, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu etc. The Indian literatures were mainly written before

1947. The most important Indian Literatures are the Vedas, Upanishads, Vedanta and

the two Epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. They were written in Sanskrit

language. Earlier the Indian Literatures were written in Sanskrit because Sanskrit was

considered as a majestic language. But later, that is after 1947, 22 languages were

identified as the official languages of India and the Indian Literatures were written in

other Indian Languages also.

The Indian Literatures were written for several reasons like teaching Religion,

Human Values, Love, Bravery etc. During the earlier period, the Vedas and the

Upanishads had all these details in them. They were taught to the Brahmanas group of

people, they learnt them and taught them to other people according to their caste and

lifestyle.

An Epic is a long narrative poem, which explains the adventures and heroic

deeds of ancient people. In Indian Literature, Epic or the Mahakavya plays a very

important role. It portrays art, history, mystery, God’s incarnation as humans, warfare

etc. The important Epics of Indian Literature are Ramayana, Mahabharata, Sangam

Literature, Buddha Charita and Arthashastra written by Kautilya.

Chakravathi Rajagopalachari also known as Rajaji was the first Governor

General of India. He was born on 10th December 1878. His father’s name was

Chakravarti Venkatarya Iyengar and his mother’s name was Singaramma Iyengar. He
 2

was born in Thorapalli Village, Hosur, Krishnagiri District, Tamil Nadu. He

completed his Law Degree at Presidency College. He started working at Salem court

in 1900. While working there he got the news of a Lawyer named Mahatma Gandhi,

who was fighting against Civil Disobedience Movement in South Africa. He wrote

about it in many pamphlets.

Then he went to politics and joined Indian National Congress and worked as

the legal advisor of the political party. He defended P. Varadarajulu Naidu in 1917

against the charges of sedition. and fought against Rowlett Act, joined in Non –

Cooperation Movement, took part in Vaikam Satyagraha and Civil Disobedience

Movement.

In 1930, Rajaji was imprisoned, when he led Vaikam Satyagraha in response

to the Dandi March which was started by Mahatma Gandhi. He became the Premier

of Madras Presidency in 1937 and resigned in 1940, until Britain declared war against

Germany. He supported Hindu – Muslim harmony and his talks favored to

Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Mahatma Gandhi called him as his Conscience Keeper.

Tamil Scientific Terms Society, an organization for translating the Scientific terms

was formed by him in the year 1916. In the year 1946, he was appointed as the

Minister of Industry, Supply, Education and finance in the Interim Government of

India. He worked as the Governor of West Bengal from 1947 to 1948, Governor

General of India from 1948 – 1950, Union Home Minister from 1951 to 1952 and

Chief Minister of Madras State from 1952 – 1954.

After becoming the Chief Minister of the State, he started working hard and he

wanted the students to learn a new language, so he made Hindi as a compulsory

language for school students. But it was opposed by many people. He left a lasting
 3

impression on the politicians as well as the public of the nation with his service to the

nation.

In the year 1954, he resigned his Chief Minister post and after resigning he

started concentrating on writing. He translated many great works. In the year 1959, he

left Indian National Congress and started his own political party named Swatantra

Party and this party fought against Indian National Congress in 1962, 1967 and 1971.

The famous works of Rajagopalachari are – Siraiyil Tavam (Meditation in

Jail), it stated the day-to-day experience of him in jail from 21st December 1921 to

20th March 1922. He translated many books to English. In 1951 Rajaji wrote an

abridged version of Mahabharata in English. It was later edited 65 times by him.

Then he translated the Tamil work Kamba Ramayanam to English in 1955. In 1957 he

translated Ramayana. In the year 1965 he translated the great Tamil work Tirukkural

written by Tamil Saint Thiruvalluvar in English.

His notable awards are Bharat Ratna, which he received in 1954, Sahitya

Akademi Award for his work Chakravarti Thirumagan. He died on 25 th December

1972 at the age of 94.

Kalki was the Contemporary writer of C. Rajagopalachari. His original name

was Ramaswamy Krishnamoorthy. He was born on 9th September 1899 at

Puthamangalam, near Manalmedu. His father’s name was Ramaswamy Aiyar, he was

working as an accountant in Puttamangalam Village in Old Tanjore district in Madras

Presidency. He completed his primary Education at village school and attended

Higher Education at Municipal High School in Mayavaram, but he quit his High

School in 1921. After quitting school, he joined Non – Cooperation movement started

by Mahatma Gandhi, later he joined in Indian National Congress.

 4

His genre of writing was Historical Fiction and Social Fiction. He wrote in

Tamil language. His famous novels are Parthiban Kanavu (about Pallava Dynasty),

Sivagamiyin Sapadham (about Pallava Dynasty), Ponniyin Selvan (about Chola

Dynasty) and Solaimalai Ilavarasi (about the Independence of India). He wrote his

works with the pen name Kalki, which was named after the tenth avatar (incarnation),

Kalki of Hindu God Vishnu.

He received the honor of releasing his postage stamps. His works were

nationalized by the Government of Tamil Nadu. He received Sangeetha

Kalashikhamani Award from the Indian Fine Arts Society in 1953. He died on 5 th

September 1954.

Mahatma Gandhi was also a contemporary writer of C. Rajagopalachari. His

full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. He was born on 2nd October 1869, at

Porbandar, Kathiawar Agency, British India. His father’s name was Karamchand

Gandhi and his mother’s name was Putlibai Gandhi. He was a lawyer, Anti – Colonial

Nationalist and a political activist. He stood against British rule and got independence

to India.

He was a trainee of Inner Temple (Court) in London. He was called by the Bar

Council in London at the age of 22, in the year 1891. He was unsuccessful there, so he

went to South Africa in 1893 to represent Indian Merchant Lawsuit.

In 1915 he came to India and worked for the welfare of peasants, farmers and

poor people. He wore traditional clothes - Dhoti, Shawl, which were made in

traditional Spinning Wheel of India (Charkha). He conducted Dandi march in 1930

and quit India Movement in 1942.

 5

He wanted Independent India. He worked hard for it. He wanted a nation free

of Religious Pluralism. But it was opposed by the Muslim League members. They

demanded a separate land for the Muslims. In the year 1947, India became an

Independent Nation and was divided into two separate nations. One with Hindu

Majority – India and other with Muslim Majority – Pakistan.

The important works written by Mahatma Gandhi are The Story of My

Experiment with Truth (an Autobiographical work of M. K. Gandhi), All Men are

Brothers, Peace: The Words and Inspiration etc.

Mahatma Gandhi worked for the welfare of Hindus. But it was hated by some

Indians. They thought him as dominating. One among them was Nathuram Godse, he

killed Mahatma Gandhi on 30th January 1948 by firing 3 bullets into his chest.

Jawaharlal Nehru was also a contemporary writer of C. Rajagopalachari. He

was known as Pandit Nehru and Chacha Nehru. He was the first Prime Minister of

Independent India. He was born on 14th November 1889 at Allahabad, North –

Western Provinces, British India. His father’s name was Pandit Motilal Nehru and his

mother’s name was Swarupa Rani Nehru. He belonged to Kashmiri Pandit family in

Lahore. His father was a lawyer. He studied at Harrow School, England, Trinity

College, Cambridge. He pursued his law degree in Inner Temple London. He came

back to India in 1912 and practiced his profession. In 1916 he got married to Kamala

Kaul and next year had a baby daughter Indira Gandhi.

In the year 1919 Nehru joined Indian National Congress and started working

for the independence of India. He was influenced by Mahatma Gandhi. In 1928 he

became the president of Indian National Congress.

 6

He played a key role in the Independence struggle. He opposed the view of

dividing India into two portions on the basis of religion. On 15 th – August – 1947,

India became an Independent Nation. He became the first Prime Minister of

Independent India. He continued his leadership till his death in 1964.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru died on 27th May 1964, at the age of 74 in New

Delhi, India, due to heart attack. After his death, his daughter Indira Gandhi became

the Prime Minister, but was killed in 1984. After her death, her son Rajiv Gandhi

became the next Prime Minister of India and ruled the nation from 1984 – 1989, but

he was also killed in a bomb blast.

The important books written by Jawaharlal Nehru are The Discovery of India,

Letters from Father to his daughter, Glimpses of World History, Toward Freedom

(An Autobiographical Work of Jawaharlal Nehru), Letters for a Nation etc.

Mahabharata by Rajaji is analysed and seven characters have been thoroughly

studied and their characterization is presented in this project. This book was first

published in the year 1950 by Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan. It is an English work. Its genre

is epic. It explains the religion, mythology, Hinduism, etc. Mahabharata is a famous

Indian Epic, which tells the story of heroic men and women, who lived in India, their

Code of Conduct, their Ethical Relationship etc. This book written by Rajaji contains

the tale of Pandavas and the Kauravas, who fought for their rights and justice. It

contains 106 chapters, which are explained in a lucid form. He has retold the

historical epic Mahabharata in English. It is an abridged English version of the main

Epic Mahabharata, which was narrated by Veda Vyasa and it is said to be written by

Lord Ganesha with the help of one of his tusks. Rajaji considered his Mahabharata

and Ramayana as the greatest service of him to his countrymen.

 7

Chapter II contains the character analysis of the following Characters.

1. Kunti – One of the Wives of King Pandu.

2. Yudhishtra – Eldest among the Pandava brothers and the first Son of Kunti

and Pandu.

3. Bhima – Second among the Pandavas and the Son Kunti and Pandu.

4. Arjuna – Third Pandava Prince and Son of Kunti and Pandu.

5. Nakula – Fourth Pandava Prince and Son of Madri (second wife of King

Pandu) and Pandu.

6. Sahadeva – Fifth Pandava Prince and Son of Madri and Pandu.

7. Draupadi – Daughter of King Drupada, spouse of the Pandavas.

 8

CHAPTER II
CHARACTER ANALYSIS
 9

CHAPTER II

CHARACTER ANALYSIS
The reason for selecting these seven characters is that they possess certain

positive qualities, which make them different from other characters of Mahabharata.

Their characteristics helped them to improve their lifestyle. The characteristics, which

they possessed can be now found in the common people, as well as CEOs and

Managers of the companies. These qualities are very useful for them to compete with

others in this today’s competitive world.

Kunti

Kunti Devi is one of the important characters of Mahabharata. Krishna’s

grandfather was Sura. Pritha was the beautiful daughter of Sura. Sura’s cousin

Kuntibhoja did not have a child. So, the king Sura gave his daughter Pritha in

adoption to Kuntibhoja. Since Pritha grew up as the daughter of Kuntibhoja, she came

to be known as Kunti.

Kunti was a patient and obedient girl. This can be understood with the

following incident. When Kunti was a small girl, the great sage Durvasa came to her

house. Princess Kunti served him for one year, and the saint was impressed by her

service. He gave a boon to her. He told a divine mantra to Kunti and told to her that if

she calls upon a god with that mantra, then he will manifest in her and she will bear a

child with his full glory. He gave this special mantra to her because as a saint he knew

the misfortunes her husband (Pandu) and she will face in future.

She was a very curious girl. One day she wanted to test the boon granted by

the sage. She chanted the mantra and called the Sun God. Suddenly Sun God appeared
 9

in front of her and she asked him whom he was, then the God replied to her “Dear

lady, I am Sun and I came here because of the son giving mantra chanted by you”.

Then Kunti was shocked, she told to him that she was an unmarried woman

and what will others think about her, if they knew that she had a child before getting

married. Then the Sun replied to her, “No blame shall attach you. After bearing my

son, you will regain virginity”. (37). She gave birth in no time as in those days divine

birth took place in no time. The person who was born was Karna, the great warrior of

Mahabharata. Kunti was scared about allegations, so she kept the child in a sealed

box and set it afloat in water. The box was taken out by Adhiratha and the kid grew

up at the house of Adhiratha (the Charioteer).

Kunti was a humble wife. She was married to Pandu, the prince of

Hastinapura. Pandu also married Madri, the sister of Salya and all the three lived

together. Dhritrashtra was the also prince of Hastinapura, but since he was blind by

birth, he was not allowed to rule the kingdom; so, Pandu ruled the kingdom, it was

hated by Dhritrashtra and he sent them to forest. There Pandu killed a sage who was

in deer form and was playing with his wife. Then the sage cursed him "Sinner, you

will meet with death the moment you taste the pleasures of the bed." (38). Then Pandu

told this problem to Kunti and Madri. Kunti as a humble wife gave solution to this

problem. She explained him about the son giving mantra to Pandu, which was given

to her by Sage Durvasa. With the permission of Pandu, she and Madri chanted that

mantra and Pandavas were born. Three among the Pandavas, that is Yudhishtra,

Bhima and Arjuna were born to Kunti and Pandu. The remaining two Nakula and

Sahadeva were born to Madri and Pandu, this shows that Kunti was a lady who

believed in Equality and taught that mantra to Madri, so that she can also have her

own sons.
 10

Kunti never showed partiality among her own sons and Madri’s sons. This can

be understood with the following example. One day Madri and Pandu were there in

garden and they were influenced by nature and the curse of saint worked and Pandu

died immediately. Madri thought herself as the cause of Pandu’s death and she also

jumped into the pyre and killed herself and Kunti took care of Nakula and Sahadeva

as her own sons and they went to Hastinapura.

Kunti accompanied her son everywhere. After the death of Pandu, Pandavas

went to Hastinapura along with Kunti. Yudhishtra ascended the throne as he was the

son of the late king Pandu. It was hated by his cousin brother Duryodhana (son of

Dhritrashtra) and he sent them to forest for exile and Kunti also accompanied them

there, even she went to Panchala kingdom, where the Pandavas married Panchali.

She was the one who accompanied Dhritrashtra and Gandhari to forest, when the

great war Mahabharata got over as she thought it was the duty of elderly people to go

to exile after their heir starts ruling the nation. Yudhishtra started ruling Hastinapura

and the three went to forest and started doing penance there and they died of a forest

fire.

So, one can understand that Kunti was a lady, who wisely acted according to

all situations, worked for the welfare of others and treated everyone as equal.

Yudhishtra

Yudhishtra was the first son of Pandu and Kunti and he was an incarnation of

God Yama (God of Dharma). Being the son of Yamadharma, he was also known as

Dharmaputra. He was always in support of truth and dharma. According to Draupadi

“Yudhishtra possessed a complexion like that of a pure gold, and was just, had a
 11

correct sense of morality, and was merciful to surrendering foes.” It means Yudhishtra

always stood on the side of Dharma and pardoned the enemies.

But at one situation he failed from his duty. He lied for the first time in his

life. It was the 12th day of Mahabharata war. Drona was the Generalissimo of Kaurava

army. He fell on the army of Pandavas very fierce fully. Krishna told to Arjuna

There is none that can defeat this Drona, fighting according to the strict

rules of war. We cannot cope with him unless dharma is discarded. We

have no other way open. There is but one thing that will make him

desist from fighting. If he hears that Aswatthama is dead, Drona will

lose all interest in life and throw down his weapons. Someone must

therefore tell Drona that Aswatthama has been slain. (381).

Arjuna was not ready to leave his dharma and lie. So, Yudhishtra came

forward and told to Krishna "I shall bear the burden of this sin"(381). Bhima killed an

elephant named Aswatthama and informed to all that he killed Aswatthama, Son of

Drona. Drona did not believe in Bhima and asked Yudhishtra, whether it was true as

he always told the truth. But Yudhishtra replied "Yes, it is true that Aswatthama has

been killed”, (but in a low voice he said "Aswatthama, the elephant"). Before telling

the lie Yudhishtra’s chariot wheels never touched the ground, it was four inches above

the ground level. But when he lied, it came down and touched the ground.

He once again deviated from dharma. He loved to play dice but he was not

good in it. So, Duryodhana took advantage of it and he abducted the properties of

Yudhishtra and even made Pandavas and Panchali as his servant. Duryodhana tried to

disrobe Panchali, this frustrated Bhima and he took an oath to kill Duryodhana. In the

Mahabharata war Bhima and Duryodhana fought a duel war and Bhima was unable
 12

to bear him. So, he made a foul attack and killed Duryodhana. Yudhishtra always

hated the people, who made a foul attack. But when the foul attack was made by

Bhima, he did not stop him. In this way he deviated from Dharma for the second time.

He hated his victory. This can be explained in this way. After the war got over,

Yudhishtra and his brothers performed til and water ceremony for the departed souls,

there he met sage Narada and he told to him

Bhagavan, it is true the kingdom has come into my possession. But my

kinsmen are all gone. We have lost sons that were dear. This victory

appears to me but a great defeat. Oh! Narada, we took our own brother

for an enemy and killed him, even Karna who stood rooted like a rock

in his honour and at whose valour the world wondered. This terrible

act of slaying our own brothers was the result of our sinful attachment

to our possessions. Karna, on the other hand, kept the promise he gave

to our mother and abstained from killing us. Oh! I am a sinner, a low

fellow who murdered his own brother. My mind is troubled greatly at

this thought. Karna's feet were so much like our mother's feet. In the

large hall, when that great outrage was committed and my anger rose,

when I looked at his feet, which were so much like Kunti's feet, my

wrath subsided. I remember that now and my grief increases. (410).

This shows that he was not happy with the victory of war, as his close relatives and

teachers were killed in it.

So, Yudhishtra was a great warrior and Chief Executive of Pandava kingdom

and was full of good qualities. But a bad habit of gambling caused his sufferings. So,
 13

he was like the current generation CEO of companies, who do their work properly and

give advices, but when it comes to execution, they take a step back.

Bhima

Among the Pandavas, Bhima was the second one and was an incarnation of

God Vayu. He had good physical strength. He learnt archery from Kripacharya and

Mace fight from Balarama, elder brother of Lord Krishna. Duryodhana used to tease

him for his physique and in revenge Bhima used to hurt Duryodhana and his brothers.

Duryodhana tried to kill Bhima by pushing him into a pond which was full of

poisonous snake. But he was saved by the nagas instead and was given a drink, which

made him strong and was able to resist the venom of snakes.

He never forgets his foe. It can be proven with the following explanation.

After forming Indraprastha, Pandavas along with their wife Panchali started living

with prosperity. It was not liked by Duryodhana and he made a wicked plan with his

uncle Shakuni. He played Dice with Yudhishtra and took all his possessions and even

insulted Panchali by asking her to sit on his lap and asking his younger brother

Duhshana to pull the robes of Panchali. Duhshasana did the same and when Bhima

saw this, he became angry and spoke

Even abandoned professional gamblers would not stake the harlots who live

with them, and you, worse than they, have left the daughter of Drupada to the

mercy of these ruffians. I cannot bear this injustice. You are the cause of this

great crime. Brother Sahadeva, bring fire. I am going to set fire to those hands

of his which cast the dice. (112).

 14

Then he made a promise loudly "May I never go to the blest abode of my

ancestors if I do not rend the breast and drink the heart's blood of this sinful

Duhsasana, this shame of the Bharata race." (114).

As he promised, he killed Duhshasana and drank his blood. He also killed

Duryodhana, who insulted Draupadi. He was action oriented and took utmost risk to

complete the task assigned to him.

He was the strongest man. This can be proven with this explanation. There

were five people, who had equal strength. Namely, Bhima, Jarasandha, Duryodhana,

Bakasura and Keechaka. Bhima was the one, who killed the remaining four and

completed the prophecy. He killed Bakasura (a rakshsa), who troubled the people.

Next, he killed Jarasandha (the one who was born in two halves and joined by a

rakshasa called Jara), after him Bhima killed Keechaka, as he was trying to seduce

Sairandhri (Draupadi), when they lived in the kingdom of Virata for one year in

incognito. At last, he killed Duryodhana, who snatched the properties of Pandavas

with vengeance and insulted Panchali.

Through this one can understand that even though one is highly powerful, if

one goes in a wrong path to get victory and prosperity, then definitely serious

consequences will be faced and even it may lead to the death and destruction of the

dynasty.

So, Bhima was the person, who was like new managers of current generation,

who try to ace their target and try to demolish the hindrances, which comes in the way

of their success. They may go to any extinct to get justice.

Arjuna
 15

Arjuna was the third son of Kunti and Pandu. He was the person, who stood at

side of dharma. He was the one, who displayed superhuman skills with his weapons.

He was the best archer and a student of Drona. He was the incarnation of God Indra.

He was also known as Dhananjaya and Partha. He was a good friend of Krishna and

Karna considered Arjuna as his enemy.

He accompanied the other Pandavas and went into exile. There he started

praying to Lord Shiva to get Pasupathastra as his father Indra told him to do so.

Arjuna did his meditation and practiced archery there. One day he killed a wild boar

with his Gandiva (his special bow), at that time Lord Shiva also shot that same boar

with his own bow Pinaka. Lord Shiva was in the disguise of a hunter. Then both of

them started arguing about who killed the boar. Arjuna shouted "Who are you? Why

are you ranging in this forest with your wife? How dare you shoot at the game I had

aimed at?" (127). Lord Shiva said he was the one, who killed the boar and they started

fighting. Arjuna was unable to defeat his opponent and was caught in the grab of the

hunter. Then he understood, it was Lord Shiva, who was fighting with him. Then

Arjuna got blessings from Lord Shiva and Pasupatastra from him.

Arjuna had complete control over himself. He could forsake his virtues. Even

though anyone tried he never got seduced. This can be explained with the following

example. Once Arjuna was taken to Indraloka by his father Lord Indra, there he met

beautiful maidens. One among them was Urvashi. She tried to seduce him. But Arjuna

rejected her amorous overtures, as he thought that she was like a mother to him. When

he denied the proposal, she became angry and cursed him to lose his manhood, but his

father Indra helped him by saying that he will not have his manhood for one year. So,

Arjuna was a person, who kept self-control, which is very important for a human

being.
 16

Arjuna was a humble man even though he had lots of talent in himself. It can

be proven with the help of an example. The date for the beginning of Mahabharata

war was decided. Pandavas and Kauravas needed support, so from the Pandavas’ side

Arjuna went to Dwraka to seek Krishna’s help and from Kauravas’ side Duryodhana

went. When they reached there, they saw that Krishna was fast asleep. So,

Duryodhana sat on a decorated chair which was kept near Krishna’s head. While

Arjuna stood near the foot of Krishna, arms folded. This shows his humbleness. When

Krishna woke up, he first saw Arjuna, then he saw Duryodhana. He gave two separate

options to both of them. One was the Vrishni army, powerful army which was capable

of fighting, which was tough to be defeated. And the other option was Krishna,

without any weapons, who promised not to fight in the Mahabharata war.

Krishna asked Arjuna to select first as he saw Arjuna first and as he was

younger one also. Because in those days first preference was given to the views of

younger ones. Arjuna without thinking for a moment selected Krishna. But

Duryodhana selected Vrishni Army of Vasudeva (Krishna) and told to himself

"Arjuna has made a fool of himself. The great army of Dwaraka will fight on my side

and Balarama's good wishes too are with me. Vasudeva has been left without an

army." (226).

Krishna asked to Arjuna the reason for selecting him, then Arjuna said: "I

would be content if you are with us, though you may wield no weapon." (225).

This shows Arjuna’s humbleness. He was like the manager of current days,

who wants to succeed in life and at the same time not to go in a wrong path and stick

to the rules, be polite and humble to all.

Nakula
 17

Nakula was fourth among the Pandava brothers. He was the son of Madri and

Pandu and foster son of Kunti. Kunti told the divine mantra, which gave son to Madri

in order to keep equality. Madri chanted the mantra and called the Ashwini Kumaras

and gave birth to twins, one among them was Nakula. As he was the son of Madri, he

was also known as Madrinandana and Madreya etc.

He was a man of power and prowess. He was good in sword fight. He was the

one who killed many soldiers of Kaurava army and he even killed the son of Sakuni

(Sakuni was the uncle of the Kaurava Brothers).

Nakula was devastatingly handsome. This can be understood through the

words of Yudhishtra. Once, when the Pandavas went for exile in forest, Yudhishtra

felt thirsty, he asked his brother to go and bring water, one by one everyone went

there, but no one came back. Then Yudhishtra went to the pool and saw his brothers,

who were lying dead on the ground.

Then he heard a voice, it was Dharmadeva, who told to Yudhishtra, your

brothers did not answer to my questions and they drank water without my permission,

that’s why they are dead. If you will also do like this, then you will also die. Then

Yudhishtra agreed to the condition of the voice and answered the questions correctly.

Then a Yaksha came in front of him and offered him a boon, he told to him that he

will revive one of his brothers and asked whom he should revive? After thinking for a

while Yudhishtra replied

"May the cloud complexioned, lotus-eyed, broad-chested and long-armed

Nakula, lying like a fallen ebony tree, arise." (183).

 18

From the above-mentioned lines one can understand that Nakula was

devastatingly handsome and was loved by his elder brother Yudhishtra more than his

own life.

So, one can understand that Nakula was a good man of strength and was like

the modern manager, who hates groupism and works for the welfare of others and

motivates them as a good team leader.

Sahadeva

Sahadeva was the youngest of the Pandava brothers. He was the son of Madri

and Pandu. He was the twin brother of Nakula. He was also the incarnation of

Ashwini Kumaras. He was also known as Madreya and Madrinandana.

Sahadeva was an intelligent man. He was a great astrologer. He knew all the

events which would happen in future but he was cursed by sages, if he discloses the

future events to anyone else, then his head will break into pieces. So, he had to keep

quite throughout.

He was a man of power and was good in sword fight. This can be proven with

the following example. He and his brother Nakula were nephews of Salya (brother of

Madri). Salya fought against Pandavas, Sahadeva gave him tough competition.

He was the one, who killed the wicked uncle of Duryodhana that is uncle

Shakuni, as he was the reason for the ill fate of Pandavas and the insult of Draupadi.

He attacked Shakuni fierce fully saying"Fool, here is the reward for your great

sin."(391). He took sword and arrow and attacked Shakuni. This arrow cut through

the neck of Shakuni and his head rolled down on the great place where the

Mahabharata war took place, that is Kurukshetra. So, it is proven that Sahadeva was a

great fighter and a tough competitor.

 19

Sahadeva was a great astrologer. One day Duryodhana went to Sahadeva to

ask for the right time to start the war, so that they can be victorious. Sahadeva knew

that Duryodhana and the other Kaurava brothers were his enemies, then too he wanted

to be honest to his profession, and he told the correct date to Duryodhana. By this way

it is understood that Sahadeva was good in Astrology and honest to his own

profession.

So, it can be said that Sahadeva was like the current day manager of a

company, who knows a lot, but has to keep quite due to some reasons or for the fear

of getting terminated.

Draupadi

Panchali was a girl, who incarnated from fire. Her birth took place in a special

way. It was as follows. King Drupada and Dronacharya were good friends since

childhood. Drupada promised to Drona that he will give half of his kingdom to Drona,

when he becomes the king. Drona agreed to it and approached to Drupada regarding

this matter, when he became the king of Panchala. But the king insulted him by

saying

O brahmana, how dare you address me familiarly as your friend? What

friendship can there be between a throned king and a wandering

beggar? What a fool must you be to presume on some long past

acquaintance to claim friend ship with a king who rules a kingdom?

How can a pauper be the friend of a wealthy man, or an ignorant boor

of a learned scholar, or a coward of a hero? Friendship can exist only

between equals. A vagrant beggar cannot be the friend of a sovereign.

(49).
 20

This made Drona angry. He decided to take revenge on Drupada. He went to

Hastinapura and trained the princes that is Pandavas and Kauravas there. He took the

help of Pandavas to take revenge on Drupada. He captivated Drupada through

Arjuna’s powers.This increased the anger of Drupada. So, he did a lot of tapas, fasts

and gave many sacrifices to get two boons from the God. One is to get a son, who will

kill Drona and a daughter who will marry Arjuna. Drupada’s wishes were fulfilled.

His son Dhrishtadyumna and daughter Draupadi incarnated from fire. Drishtadyumna

was the boy, who killed Drona. Draupadi was the beautiful girl who married the

Pandavas. She was also known as Panchali as she was the Princess of Panchala

kingdom and she was also known as Yajnaseni as she was born from fire.

Drupada arranged Swayamvara for his daughter and there she selected Arjuna

as her husband. But Pandavas had a condition that they will share with each other

whatever they get. In that way Yudhishtra, Bhima, Nakula and Sahadeva also married

Panchali along with Arjuna. Dhritrashra gave them a place called Khandavaprashtha

to rule, which was of no use to him, but was under the rule f Dhritrashra. Pandavas

developed the city with the help of their cousin Krishna and named the city as

Indraprastha and they started living there. Yudhishtra became the king of Indraprastha

and Draupadi became the queen of that kingdom.

Draupadi was a very gorgeous girl. Her husband Yudhishtra did rajasuya ritual

and became the emperor. It was not liked by Duryodhana. So, he invited Yudhishtra

for playing gambling and with the help of his uncle Shakuni he played a wicked game

and abducted his kingdom and properties. He forced Yudhishtra to keep himself and

his brothers as bet and Yudhishtra lost everything. At last, Shakuni told to Yudhishtra

to keep Draupadi as bet. He did so and lost Draupadi also. As they won the match,

they tried to insult Draupadi by pulling her robes. She was highly scared and she cried
 21

to God "O Lord of the World," "God whom I adore and trust, abandon me not in this

dire plight. You are my sole refuge. Protect me." (113) and she was saved by Lord

Krishna.

Draupadi was the reason for the Mahabharata war. It can be understood with

this explanation. Since Draupadi was humiliated in huge assembly, her husbands

became furious. They took an oath to kill all of them who tried to disrobe the divine

lady Draupadi. Bhima took an oath to kill Duryodhana and all his brothers. He

fulfilled his promise. He felt happy, when he killed Duryodhana and Duhshasana. But

he felt sad, when he killed Vikarna, as he was the one, who opposed the deed of

Duryodhana. Arjuna promised to kill Karna and he fulfilled it. The main person, who

was behind the evil plot was Shakuni. He was killed by last Pandava brother

Sahadeva.

In this way each Pandava brother took revenge on the Kauravas, who insulted

their spouse. Her humiliation in front of all was not accepted by all. It was the reason

of the war Mahabharata.

It is very much evident that one must remain honest to lead a happy life. One

may face utter failure if one goes in a wrong path, causing miseries to others. The

consequences of it would be severe and the penalty of it would be death ultimately.

 22

CHAPTER III
SUMMING UP
 23

CHAPTER III

SUMMING UP
Character analysis of seven characters is done in this project. They are Kunti,

Yudhishtra, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva and Draupadi. These characters’

analysis from Rajaji’s Mahabharata has been made and the study has found the cause

for one’s upliftment or befall due to one’s virtues and vices.

Kunti was the mother of Pandavas (Yudhishtra, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and

Sahadeva) and Karna. She had a good quality; she was patient and faced the problems

boldly. This character of her is related to the present-day woman, who always keeps

calm and faces the toughest situation with a smile and steel heart.

Yudhishtra was the eldest among the Pandavas and son of Pandu and Kunti.

He was an expert in Javelin throw and followed righteousness. He remained righteous

throughout his life and became a role model for others. It is related to the present-day

Manager/CEO of a company, who remains righteous towards his work and earns

respect from others.

Bhima was the second among the Pandavas. He was also a son of Pandu and

Kunti. He was an expert in mace fighting and was action oriented. He loved to do the

task given to him and gave a positive result in it. This character of Bhima is related to

the current day manager, who does works according to the action plan and gains

success.

Arjuna was the third Pandava brother and son of Pandu and Kunti. He was the

best in archery and had a competent quality, He gave a tough competition to his
 23

enemies like Drona and Karna. Similarly, today’s employees also work hard for their

company and compete with the other succeeding company.

Nakula was the fourth among the Pandava brothers. He was the son of Pandu

and Madri (Second Wife of Pandu). He was well trained in sword fight. He remained

unattached from everyone and never took pride on his brothers. This character of

Nakula is similar to the current day workers, who remain objective and take decisions

without pride and prejudice for near and dear ones. They only work for the welfare of

their company.

Sahadeva was the last among the Pandavas. He was the son of Pandu and

Madri. He was well versed in astrology and was highly knowledgeable. He gave

solutions for tough problems very easily. It is similar to that of the present-day CEOs/

Managers, who have high problem-solving skills and give solutions to the toughest

issues with ease.

Draupadi was the wife of Pandavas and daughter of King Drupada. She was a

brave lady and treated everyone equally. Similarly, today’s modern women are very

brave. They face the problems boldly. They treat their friends, relatives and kids

equally and expect the same equality from them.

So, one can understand that the characteristics of today’s manager were

already possessed by people in history and is possessed by them even today. This was

rare earlier, but now it’s found everywhere.

If a person wants to become a member of a company, then he should have the

skills like bravery, righteousness, action orientation, competing ability, being

unattached and knowledge.

 24

This project brings out the comparison made between the characters of the

epic Mahabharata and the present time real characters existing. The characteristic

traits remain wide and relevant in many people of the existing era. The resemblance

of the characters of today’s world are a culmination of the characters in Mahabharata.

These qualities, which were possessed by Kunti, Yudhishtra, Bhima, Arjuna,

Nakula, Sahadeva and Draupadi will enhance the people of today’s society to become

the best employee of a company. Moreover, the same will bring out the best in them.
 25

WORKS CITED
 26

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 26

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