The Letter of the Law and the Discourse of Power: Karṇa and Controversy in the Mahābhārata

Abstract

The article "The Letter of the Law and the Discourse of Power: Karṇa and Controversy in the Mahābhārata" by E.H. Rick Jarow explores the complex intersection of lineage, legitimacy, and spiritual authority in the Mahābhārata through the character of Karṇa. The article frames Karṇa as a symbol of tension between divine and human identities, and uses his tragic narrative to unpack broader conflicts within Vaiṣṇava traditions regarding power, dharma, and succession. Jarow’s analysis connects epic controversy to contemporary religious dynamics, emphasizing how unresolved tensions around caste, authority, and devotion persist through generations.