Background of The Mahabharata - Providing Context to DaanveerPutri

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The Kingdom of Hastinapura, also known as the Kuru Dynasty, is home to two groups of princes. They are the Pandavas (headed by Prince Yudhishthira) and the Kauravas (headed by Prince Duryodhana). The Kauravas follow 'adharma' (unrighteousness) by nature and will do anything to cause the death of their cousins - the Pandavas, who always follow 'dharma' (righteousness). Arjuna, the third Pandava, is the most famous warrior and archer (also known as 'Vijaya'). 

 Karna (also known as 'Daanveer'), is the son of a charioteer, who is also a mighty warrior and archer. A series of events lead to both Arjuna and Karna becoming arch-rivals. Duryodhana, crowns Karna as a King of one of the kingdoms (Anga) and makes him his best friend. Duryodhana may have considered Karna a good friend, but his action of crowning him King was partially to ensure that Karna never joins hands with the Pandavas. 

 Years later, a series of conflicts one after another lead to the epic Mahabharata battle between the Kauravas and Pandavas. At one point, Karna finds out that he is actually the eldest brother of the Pandavas. Yet, he decides to fight on the Kaurava side, as that is where his loyalties laid. Karna, was a pure soul with a good heart, yet fighting against 'dharma' (righteousness) resulted in him being slain in battle. 

 The scene in this story of mine picks up from the point after the end of the battle, where Karna's last rites are being performed by the Pandavas. The Pandavas, have found out that Karna is actually their eldest brother, and are drowning in remorse for being the cause of his death. The made up scene of the story involves a fictional character (Mitravinda - Karna's daughter) and her emotional turmoil post the death of all she called family in the battle. The story explores the budding of a relationship between a girl (Mitra) who lost her father and a man (Arjuna) who lost all his sons in the disasterous battle, and how they find solace in one another. 

 Points/Terms to understand the story: 

 *Mitra's mother has also given up her life by immolating her self in her husband's funeral pyre 

 *I used 'Madhava' to refer to Lord Krishna, as that is how Arjuna refers to him 

 *Karna was also known as 'Daanveer' as he was famous for the provision of charity 

 *'Vijaya' is another name for Arjuna because he was always victorious 

 *'Nandhini' and 'Putri' is another way to say daughter. Which is why I used the name 'VijayaNandhini' which translates to 'Daughter of Vijaya'

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