Was Duryodhan against the caste system or not? - Page 2

Originally posted by: amritat

Well, it is difficult to say, whether Duryodhan was anti-casteism or not.

If I am not mistaken, it is mentioned in KMG, that after Duryodhan made Karna the King of Anga, he felt relieved. So, this step was certainly to secure his side by appointing someone equal to Arjun.

So, atleast, in the text, I have not come across any fact that proves that Duryodhan ever did anything for the lower caste.

However, many people claim that Duryodhan is worshipped by some tribes. Maybe it is true.

But I would like to point out that, many characters of Mahabharat, apart from Lord Krishna are worshipped in many parts of the country.

In South India, if I am not mistaken, then there's a whole cult for Draupadi. There are temples of Draupadi Amman, guared by statues of none other than Arjun's son Iravan. Even Subhadra and Balram are worshipped by people of Puri, Orissa. Even Hidimba is worshipped in Manali.

So, I think, it is too far-fetched to make any claims, based on this.

However, this is my opinion. Many people may not agree.

Originally posted by: ..RamKiJanaki..

Yeah, that's true, but the worship of Draupadi, Balram and Subhadra is different, because they are believed to be incarnations of God, so many people worship them. People consider Draupadi an incarnation of Goddess Durga, Subhadra an incarnation of Yogmaya, and Balram an incarnation of Sesh Naag. In fact, Vaishnava sects believe Balram is an incarnation of Vishnu himself, and for then the 8th incarnation is not Krishna but Balram, with Krishna being the 9th incarnation followed by Kalki. So there being temples for these characters is not surprising.

Actually, there are many folktales, which influence people.

Originally posted by: amritat

Actually, there are many folktales, which influence people.

I have heard that there is a temple of Shakuni as well, somewhere.

Going by the epic, there is no reason, y someone would worship Shakuni.

However, there are folktales, regarding Shakuni taking revenge for family's destruction, and about being a devotee of Lord Krishna.

So, it's difficult to say, what is true and what is not.

I think Duryodhana did have intention of having someone of equal strength as Arjun in his side when he befriended Karna But even then for that matter I do believe that inspite of being a royal one , it took amazing guts to stand out for simple charioteer son. If we believe caste biases were so strong in those eras, then it took great amount of courage to simply put aside that prejudice attach and extend a hand of friendship to Karna.Having said that your question of him doing things for lower tribe people. Well it might be not mentioned in KMG but if folklores has some mentions then they must be having some base around it. Its thousands of years old story that travelled through so many changes and modifications to us. So I do believe in giving benefit of doubt to other perceptions or folk tales.. as during earlier times...recitals were popular way of spreading history than having written facts over them... If dury is worshipped in some parts or tribes..then he must have done something for them.. and probably Mahabharat 's written text has not focussed much on that.

Originally posted by: riti4u

I think Duryodhana did have intention of having someone of equal strength as Arjun in his side when he befriended Karna But even then for that matter I do believe that inspite of being a royal one , it took amazing guts to stand out for simple charioteer son. If we believe caste biases were so strong in those eras, then it took great amount of courage to simply put aside that prejudice attach and extend a hand of friendship to Karna.Having said that your question of him doing things for lower tribe people. Well it might be not mentioned in KMG but if folklores has some mentions then they must be having some base around it. Its thousands of years old story that travelled through so many changes and modifications to us. So I do believe in giving benefit of doubt to other perceptions or folk tales.. as during earlier times...recitals were popular way of spreading history than having written facts over them... If dury is worshipped in some parts or tribes..then he must have done something for them.. and probably Mahabharat 's written text has not focussed much on that.

Originally posted by: bheegi

As far as I know or rather understand, Duryodhana befriended Karna because of his talent and his potential to defeat Arjuna in a fair battle. The only place I've read Dury care for lower caste people is in the book 'Ajaya' but that book has been written in Dury's POV so I would discount it.

This is a citation from that book: based on a story popular in kerala

There is a fascinating story attached to the temple: Duryodhana came to the village in search of the Pandavas in exile. Thirsty, he asked an old woman for water. Impulsively, she gave him the toddy she was carrying. The parched Prince drank it with relish. It was only then that the woman noticed he was a Kshatriya warrior and he could lose his caste by drinking toddy served by an Untouchable Kurathi woman like herself. Horrified by what she had done, she was certain the Kshatriya Prince would punish her with death if she told him the truth. However, not wishing to cheat someone who had trusted her, she confessed her crime', risking her life. She waited for certain punishment, but was astonished by Duryodhana's reaction. "Mother," he said, "there is no caste for hunger and thirst. Blessed are you for putting the interests of a thirsty man before your own safety." The villagers rushed to see this high-born man who was so different from the haughty, upper-caste men who came only to punish them or treat them like worms. The Hastinapura Prince announced he was gifting the surrounding villages to a temple that would be built but have no idol. A Kurava Untouchable would be the Priest. To this day , family members of that old woman's family are the hereditary Priests of the temple, which has no idol. Instead, the presiding deity is Duryodhana . The minor deities are his wife Bhanumati, his mother Gandhari, and his friend Karna. It is generally believed that the spirit of Duryodhana resides here to protect the poor and weak. He answers the prayers of the destitute and those suffering from disease, poverty, or harassment from those stronger than themselves. This deity is the protector of the weak and downtrodden.

Neelakantan, Anand (2013-12-11). AJAYA : Epic of the Kaurava Clan (ROLL OF THE DICE) (Kindle Locations 56-62). Leadstart Publishing Pvt Ltd. Kindle Edition.