Karna at the Tournament

Dronacharya held a great festival in Hastinapur so that the people could see the skill of the princes. The arena was decorated. Bhishma, Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, Kunti and thousands of people came. Bhima and Duryodhana showed their skill with the mace. Then came Arjuna. He used divine weapons of fire, water, wind and cloud. The whole gathering rang with applause.

Just then a sound like thunder came from the gate. A radiant young man walked in, with earrings in his ears and shining armour on his body. It was Karna. He said, 'Everything Arjuna has done, I will do too.' And he truly did it all. Duryodhana rose in joy and embraced him. Then Karna challenged Arjuna to single combat.

Before the fight could begin, Kripacharya spoke. 'Arjuna is Kunti's son and a prince of the Kuru line. Who are you? Whose son? Princes fight only their equals.' Hearing this, Karna's head bowed. He had no answer.

Then Duryodhana said, 'If Arjuna will fight only a king, then I make Karna king of Anga right now.' At that very moment Karna was crowned. Deeply moved, Karna asked, 'What can I give you in return?' Duryodhana said, 'Only your friendship.' That day Karna pledged his friendship for life.

Just then the old charioteer Adhiratha came forward, trembling. Even after becoming a king, Karna put down his bow and touched his father's feet. Bhima mocked him: 'A charioteer's son! Go, hold a whip!' The sun set and the festival ended. In all that crowd only Kunti had recognised her first son by his armour and earrings, and she had fainted.