Rashmirathi | Ramdhari Singh Dinkar

Rashmirathi (CHARIOTEER OF RAYS) is a Hindi epic written in 1952, by the Hindi poet Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar'. The epic poem narrates the story of Karna who is regarded as one of main protagonist of the Hindu epic- Mahabharata. It is the most appreciated work of Dinkar, who is considered the Rashtrakavi or “the national poet of India”.

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Rashmirathi means chariot riding on the rays of the sun. Dinkar Ji has depicted the character of Karna as bright as the light of the sun, and he believes that Karna rode on the rays of the sun to fight the war of Kurukshetra and alleviate the suffering of the poor.

In the Mahabharata, Karna's character is described as supporting unrighteousness. Dinkar Ji praises Karna's brilliant talent and explains how Karna's desperation eventually led him to join Duryodhana and his unrighteous allies. He had righteous heart, but he commited many unrighteous deeds. Karna was the son of lord Surya but was brought up in a shudra family. Because of this, he did not get a place in society. Karna was a warrior and belonged to a royal family, but he did not get respect like Kshatriyas, but he established his fame in the whole world with his bravery, piety, and charity.

When Duryodhana gave him the kingdom of Anga after calling him a friend, he became indebted to Duryodhana. Dinkar Ji also highlights the ultimate friendship between them in his poems. Dinkar Ji has given a beautiful form in the verses, which was the agony of Karna's mind from the tearing (Vastraharan) of Panchali to the field of Kurukshetra.

This composition of "Dinkar" Ji is as per my expectation, or to be honest, in many ways, it is better than that. Such works are called epic/Khandakavya, a fascinating part of Hindi literature. Karna has always been a compelling character for both readers and writers. His birth and subsequent events are unique in themselves.

If we talk about the specifics of this work, then it has seven parts, and each part describes a new event. Not only the description but the election of all these incidents is also commendable.

First Canto: In this opening part of the book, Kripacharya insults Karna's clan and raises questions about his joining the assembly of nobles. In response, Duryodhana gives the kingdom of Angadesh to Karna.

Second canto: It is the story of Karna's education in the Gurukul of Parashuram and his expulsion after discovering his caste.

Third Canto: In my personal view, this poem comes in its full glory from this canto which lasts till the seventh canto. There are three separate sections in this canto. The second section will give you goosebumps when Shri Krishna offers peace to the Kauravas after his return from exile. This third volume is really captivating.

Fourth canto: Devraj Indra becomes a beggar to protect his son Arjuna, asking Karna to donate his armor and Kundal, which he received from his father Surya Dev, because of which he was undefeated.

Fifth Canto: In this canto, Kunti tells Karna the reality of her birth and asks him to come to the Pandava side, which Karna refuses. Again this canto is terrific, and it narrates the agony of the Kunti at the time of Karna's birth and the present situation.

Sixth canto: Again divided into two sections, where the first canto narrates the death of Bhishma, and the second, the story of the death of Abhimanyu and the death of Ghatotkaksha at the hands of Karna. The way Dinkar Ji has beautifully described not only Karna but also other characters is impressive.

Seventh canto: Finally, the decisive battle of Karna-Arjuna, for the throne of Hastinapur is described here. In my opinion, the last war could have been depicted in a more interesting way, but still, this canto is very good.

Concluding thoughts

From the first canto, you will know why this excellent composition got the Jnanpith award. It is not an easy task to select a few incidents from the life of a timeless personality like Karna, and that too in such a way that they cover his entire life. Rashmirathi has a lot for all of us to learn and understand. This book is very relevant, especially in today's circumstances. Everyone should read this book.

A poem from Third Canto

“दो न्याय अगर तो आधा दो, पर, इसमें भी यदि बाधा हो,

तो दे दो केवल पाँच ग्राम, रक्खो अपनी धरती तमाम।

हम वहीं खुशी से खायेंगे, परिजन पर असि न उठायेंगे!

दुर्योधन वह भी दे ना सका, आशिष समाज की ले न सका,

उलटे, हरि को बाँधने चला, जो था असाध्य, साधने चला।

जन नाश मनुज पर छाता है, पहले विवेक मर जाता है।

हरि ने भीषण हुंकार किया, अपना स्वरूप-विस्तार किया,

डगमग-डगमग दिग्गज डोले, भगवान् कुपित होकर बोले-

'जंजीर बढ़ा कर साध मुझे, हाँ, हाँ दुर्योधन! बाँध मुझे।

यह देख, गगन मुझमें लय है, यह देख, पवन मुझमें लय है,

मुझमें विलीन झंकार सकल, मुझमें लय है संसार सकल।

अमरत्व फूलता है मुझमें, संहार झूलता है मुझमें।

हित-वचन नहीं तूने माना, मैत्री का मूल्य न पहचाना,

तो ले, मैं भी अब जाता हूँ, अन्तिम संकल्प सुनाता हूँ।

याचना नहीं, अब रण होगा, जीवन-जय या कि मरण होगा।

टकरायेंगे नक्षत्र-निकर, बरसेगी भू पर वह्नि प्रखर,

फण शेषनाग का डोलेगा, विकराल काल मुँह खोलेगा।

दुर्योधन! रण ऐसा होगा। फिर कभी नहीं जैसा होगा।

भाई पर भाई टूटेंगे, विष-बाण बूँद-से छूटेंगे,

वायस-श्रृगाल सुख लूटेंगे, सौभाग्य मनुज के फूटेंगे।

आखिर तू भूशायी होगा, हिंसा का पर, दायी होगा।'

― Ramdhari Singh Dinkar,

**The Jnanpith Award is the oldest and the highest Indian literary award presented annually by the Bharatiya Jnanpith to an author for their "outstanding contribution towards literature.”