Draupadi III - Arjun
© harsh nevatia
As Karna walked to the centre of the hall, his bearing radiated a nobility that outshone the rest. He paid obeisance to the bow and lifted it easily. Krishna gave Draupadi a look that said, "Stop him!!". Draupadi got up and said, "Wait, please." Karna fitted an arrow to the bowstring and continued as if he had not heard her. "Wait, King of Anga," repeated Draupadi. "Though you are now a king, you are not of royal blood and hence I cannot marry you. Please do not proceed with the contest."
The gathering was shocked into silence. This was not the first time that Karna had been taunted about his birth. It hurt him deeply. "You have seen those of royal blood perform before you," he said. "I would not be surprised if you remain unmarried for the rest of your life." Seething with anger he made his way back to his seat. But Duryodhana was not one to take this insult lying down. He demanded an explanation from Drupada. Karna was an invitee and hence had the right to participate argued Duryodhana. If his birth made him ineligible then he should not have been invited. The other royals joined in the heckling. Then someone drew his sword. At this Krishna got up and asked the gathered guests to sit down and hear him out. "Drupada had invited all those he thought were deserving of the honour. And no one doubts Karna's valour and uprightness. But this is a swayamwara and the bride-to-be has the final say. If she cannot accept any of the suitors as her husband for any reason, then she has the right to ask him not to participate. Even the mighty Jarasandh took the hint and went away gracefully. Had Karna heeded Draupadi in the first instance then the matter would have been resolved without acrimony. But Karna proceeded despite Draupadi's request forcing Draupadi to elaborate." He requested the kings and princes to settle down and let the swayamwara proceed smoothly. Though Krishna was not popular, he was feared. Grudgingly the suitors gave their consent for the proceedings to continue.
The remaining suitors, too, were unable to shift the bow. Drupad was dejected. He addressed the audience, "What kind of Aryans are you? Perhaps Karna was right. My daughter will never be married." He then turned aside to Krishna and privately chastised him for devising such a difficult task. But Krishna asked him to be patient for it was not all over yet.
