The Forbidden Protagonists

Once I was asked about my favorite mythological ideals. Without much consideration and second thought I named, Karna from Mahabharta and Bharat from Ramayana. Karna was obvious to many to guess because of his virtues but very few were fully aware of the character of Bharat. Practically I don’t blame them. We are born and raised in a country where people of second fiddle are less important than main lead. The protagonists are often shown larger than life and other characters are often given less importance. The veteran and very talented writer of that time Ved Vyas did justice with every character and gave due weight-age to everyone. However, the irony of such an epic that hindu families consider it a bone of contention if kept at home. But prefer to keep another equally talented writers mythological and holy book of Ramayna. Indian families do not stop here only but every now and then preach and expect their children to follow the path of Dharma and become second Rama.

What I personally believe that despite the fact that both the books follow the same ideology of “Triumph of truth and loss of false and greediness”, fails to explain the differences of both. Ramayna teaches us to act and follow the path of dharma without compromising whether it may rain or shine. It also depicts the protagonist as normal human being and his story of being lovable and setting a standard for everyone. Which obviously forbidden sooner. Rama, Laxman, Sita, Hanumaan are few important characters around whom the entire act revolves. But the very own and loyal Bharat is being sidelined. He sacrifices his kingdom, hates his mother, believes the supremacy of his elder brother Rama and considers him the king. Despite the fact that Rama tells him to be the king and rule, he seldom sits on the throne and wears crown rather he rule the kingdom by the name of his elder brother Rama. He is not only ethically but morally sets an example of brotherhood. His devotion and affection can never be marginalized in comparison to Hanumaan. But in practicality we are bound to accept the supremacy of protagonist and their close associates.

Similarly in Mahabharta, despite of not being protagonist or the close associates Karna earns huge respect and love form everyone. Forget about the virtues he has, but the atrocities he faces throughout his life. Without being biased and ill will he supports his friend Dhrutrashtra, assures Kunti that he will not kill his brothers except Arjuna. He does not fear with the fact that the Almighty incarnation of God Visnu, Lord Krishna is in support of Arjuna. However, despite the moral preaching of Lord Krishna in the battle field of Kurukshetra; arjuna fails to reach heaven during his last days. Yudhishthir’s character seldom gets appropriate mileage and confined to an elder brother’s role only; that attains Mokhsha in the last.

The moral of both the stories are inherited not in the end of it but with in its character. Who might or might not be a protagonist but one who posse good moral and ethical values. The parents and teachers should also see the other aspect of the story. They should not forget that if we expect our children to become Rama, Krishna and Arjuna; similarly they expect the same with their parents. We should make our children logical, practical and social rather than trailing on the same leak. 

Author- Devsheel Gaurav