The Authenticity and Authority of the BORI CE on Arjuna and Karna's Death

The discussion around the events in the Mahabharata, particularly the death of Karna and the act of Arjuna conveying Karna's head to Yama, has been a subject of much speculation and debate. The BORI CE (Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute Critical Edition) is often cited as one of the most authentic and scholarly versions of the epic. It provides a deeper insight into events that might have been misrepresented or inaccurately portrayed in other versions.

Discrepancies in Other Versions

According to some fanatically illiterate sources, it is suggested that Arjuna killed Karna unfairly. However, the original text from the Karna Parva, Chapter 67 of the BORI CE, clearly states, “While Radheya looked on.” The phrase “looked on” signifies that Karna was not involved in the fight during Arjuna's release of Vayavya. This strongly suggests that Karna's death was indeed unfair.

For instance, in the Sanjaya words, it is evident that Karna was not involved in the fight when Arjuna released Vayavya. Therefore, attributing Karna's death to fair combat is incorrect. The subsequent shame of Pandavas, particularly Arjuna, when Duryodhana mentions the unfair death of Kaurava Maharathas, including Karna, further supports this assertion.

The Role of the BORI CE

The BORI CE was compiled by scholars to address various discrepancies found in other versions of the Mahabharata. It aims to provide a more accurate representation of the original epic. The critical edition meticulously compares different manuscripts and interpretations to offer a comprehensive view.

While the BORI CE is widely respected, it is important to recognize that interpretations and specific passages can vary among scholars and different versions of the Mahabharata. The scholars involved in the BORI CE, such as V.S. Suthankar and M.A. Mehandale, have written extensively about the interpolation of the Mahabharata. If something is omitted in the BORI CE, it does not necessarily mean it is an interpolation. Some omissions could be due to the nature of the source material or the decision to adhere to what the original manuscripts suggest.

Mahabharata as a Complex Text

The Mahabharata is a complex text with multiple layers of meaning and various retellings. It is crucial for readers to consider multiple versions and analyses to gain a comprehensive understanding of the epic. The BORI CE, while an authoritative source, should be supplemented with other scholarly works to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the epic's themes and events.

For those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the BORI CE and its interpretation, visiting articles by scholars such as V.S. Suthankar and M.A. Mehandale would be beneficial. These resources provide valuable insights into the critical edition's methodologies and the complexities of the epic's narrative.