Meanwhile, thanks to the teachings of the guru, the young students had developed great warrior skills in the use of all types of weapons. As was tradition in those days, Drona, Bhishma, Dhritarastra, and the elders of the court felt that it was time to demonstrate it to the people.
Those were occasions for great celebration, and the citizens enjoyed admiring the strength of those who would be their future rulers. For that event, a gigantic amphitheater was built that could accommodate hundreds of thousands of people.
And the day came.
It was a superb sight. The princes took turns in a fantastic display of dexterity, strength and courage. The hottest moment was undoubtedly when, armed with a club, Bhima and Duryodhana clashed. Not even the friendly character of the representation was able to hide the old grudges; to separate them it took several attendants who, only after great efforts, were able to make them stop.
However, among all, the one who was most applauded and who shone with dazzling light of glory was Arjuna, who showed a great number of skills, especially in archery, winning everyone’s hearts. But after all, who did not already love Arjuna, so rich in great human and spiritual qualities? The show of superhuman dexterity lasted a long time.
But while the public was giving the Pandava the deserved applauses, a sudden roar coming from the stands attracted everyone’s attention. Immediately, even the slightest murmur subsided and everyone turned in that direction. Just near one of the entrances, a tall, powerful-looking figure with noble features stood out. It was Karna who, with his long blond hair, shone like the sun at noon. He had drawn everyone’s gaze to himself by banging his armpits so violently that it made a sound like thunder. His voice was deep and almost melodious.
“If this tournament,” he said looking at Arjuna, “was organized to show the valor, courage and physical strength of anyone who has it, then I would like to show you that not only you, Partha, are rich in it, and that on the contrary what you showed us are extraordinary things only for the simple people, but they do not surprise the true valiant warriors.”
Bhishma granted him permission to perform, and whispers of amazement rose from the crowd as he repeated with an air of carefreeness the feats Arjuna had performed.
Then he said:
“Did you see that what you have done is not so extraordinary? Now fight against me.”
Undaunted, Arjuna prepared for the duel. Karna looked at him as if he wanted to incinerate him. His heart was filled with resentment towards those who besides being Kshatriyas by birth were also Kshatriyas for their valor. Seeing Arjuna fight he had noticed that he was the best of all and had wanted to defeat him. How could he have imagined that his antagonist was actually his younger brother?
At that moment Bhishma, worried, stood up and ordered everything to be stopped. Then he spoke.
“Young unknown, as you know, our traditions prevent the Kshatriyas from fighting against those who are not qualified in terms of nobility. You have challenged a warrior we all know, Arjuna, the son of Pandu. He is a prince of noble origins and is perfectly qualified for a duel. But we don’t know you. If you want to fight you must first tell us who you are and who are your parents.”
At those words, Karna felt desperate. The usual absurd problem that prevented him from externalizing what he felt inside himself was still returning. Knowing the truth, Bhima mocked him calling him a vile charioteer.
But Duryodhana, who until then had observed the scene without saying a word, looking carefully at Karna, became convinced that there must be something strange in his birth, as everything in his person revealed a certain aristocratic refinement. Everyone had seen well what he was able to do with weapons and this led him to realize that a man like that would surely come in handy in the future. He got up from his seat and said:
“How can such a man have been born into a family of Sutas? It is not possible! Look at him! It is evident that he is part of our caste; indeed, he seems to be of celestial origins. Look at him carefully: have you not seen what he was able to do with weapons? I tell you that Karna is a Kshatriya, and to show you that my conviction is total, I appoint him king of Anga.”
The appointment of the Suta’s son to the throne of Anga caused a huge uproar.
After uttering these words, Duryodhana took Karna with him. From that day on, a firm and very deep friendship was born between the two.
Meanwhile, the Pandavas had already regretted having insulted Karna, since it was clear to them, as it was to everyone, that he would forever be their terrible enemy. They began to fear him in a particular way.
This is a section of the book “Maha-bharata, Vol. 1”.
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