Dream - A Karna SI

42. MAHASANGRAM - 03

Note 1:

The great war is ongoing. Its day 3

I have taken inspiration from various sources and primarily from Dr. S. Bapat of BORI and his descriptions of the Mahabharat.

The war started after making the below rules and each of them were violated by the end of the war, by both sides.

1. Everyone will fight with there equal. A Maharathi with Maharathi, an atirathi with atirathi, a Hasti (elephant) with a hasti.

2. Nobody should attack a weaponless opponent, no should one attack an opponent who is fleeing.

3. People should declare there leanings and issue challenge, before attacking. The challenge must be accepted by your opponents.

4. No poisons, should be used in the battles.

5. The attackers should not gang-up on a single warrior.

Note 2:

Pandavs vyuh in blue and Kauravs vyuh in red. Karn with his Vahini in yellow.

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Karn - 43 years

Yudhisthir - 40 years

Bheema & Duryodhan - 39 years

Arjun - 38 years

Nakul & Sahadev - 36 years

Abhimanyu - 16 years

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(Kurukshetra, End of Day 2)

(Pandav Camp)

"We cannot continue like this. We must find a solution to this giant problem." Karn's voice carried the weight of the grim reality they all faced.

"We have achieved a great victory today under your leadership, Karn! You defeated Bhishm and Ashwatthama today. We have routed the enemy," Bheem said, his mood jubilant, as if trying to lift the spirits of those gathered.

Karn's expression remained stern. "What enemy, Bheem? Other than your success in destroying Kaling's forces, we have only managed to extend this war by another day. None of the major commanders were eliminated. We've merely prolonged the suffering, extended the human cost for one more sunrise."

Bheem, undeterred, replied with a touch of jest, "Kauravs are the enemy! Sometimes, I wonder if you and Bhrata Yudhisthir share the same teacher of Dharm. You both have a stunning ability to turn any joyous moment dull with your pessimism."

Weak smirks flickered across the faces of the warriors, but the tent was filled with palpable heaviness.

Karn shook his head. "I am not being pessimistic, Bheem. It's imperative for the future of this land that we end this war quickly and decisively. The countless common soldiers who die each day are not our enemies-they're men fighting under their liege lords. What would victory mean if, by the end of it, we've both annihilated our armies? You would rule over ashes and bones."

"So, should we stop the war then? Agree to Duryodhan's terms? I don't know about you, but I'll fight to the last breath, even if I may not be a warrior of your class," Dhristadyumn interjected, his voice tinged with defiance.

Karn's gaze hardened. "I am not speaking of surrender. I am speaking of taking risks."

Seeing the confused faces, Krishn, who had been silent, finally spoke, his calm voice cutting through the tension. "Karn asks if we are ready to make greater sacrifices."