Karna's decision to remain in the Mahabharata war even after learning that the Pandavas were his brothers is a multifaceted issue rooted in his complex character, loyalty, and sense of duty. Several key factors contribute to his choice:
1. Loyalty to Duryodhana
Karna's unwavering loyalty to Duryodhana is one of the primary reasons he did not abandon the war. Duryodhana was the first to recognize Karna's potential and gave him the respect and status he longed for by making him the king of Anga. This act of kindness and acceptance created a deep bond of gratitude and loyalty between Karna and Duryodhana. Karna felt indebted to Duryodhana and considered it his duty to support him in all circumstances, regardless of personal revelations.
2. Sense of Duty and Honor
Karna was bound by his sense of duty and honor as a Kshatriya (warrior class). For him, participating in the war was a matter of upholding his warrior code, which emphasized duty, loyalty, and valor. Abandoning the war after learning about his true parentage would have been seen as a betrayal of his duty and a dishonorable act in the eyes of a warrior.
3. Complex Relationship with Kunti
When Kunti revealed the truth about Karna's birth, he faced a profound emotional and moral dilemma. Despite learning that Kunti was his mother and the Pandavas were his brothers, Karna felt a deep sense of abandonment and betrayal from Kunti, who had left him at birth. His feelings of rejection and the bitterness of his upbringing as a charioteer's son played a significant role in his decision to stay loyal to Duryodhana.
4. Commitment to His Promises
Karna was known for his unwavering commitment to his promises. He had vowed to support Duryodhana and fight against the Pandavas. Breaking this promise, even after learning about his familial ties, would have gone against his principles and the promises he had made.
5. Desire for Recognition and Validation
Karna's life was marked by a constant struggle for recognition and validation. Throughout his life, he faced insults and rejection because of his perceived low birth. By fighting in the war and proving his prowess on the battlefield, Karna sought to validate his worth and gain the recognition he felt he deserved. Leaving the war after learning his true identity would have denied him this opportunity.
6. Role of Fate and Destiny
The Mahabharata often emphasizes the role of fate and destiny in the lives of its characters. Karna believed that it was his destiny to fight in the war, and that abandoning it would be going against the divine will. His adherence to the idea of destiny reinforced his decision to stay and fight.
7. Complex Personal Emotions
Karna's emotions were deeply conflicted after learning about his true parentage. While he did feel a sense of connection to the Pandavas, his lifelong animosity and rivalry with them, especially with Arjuna, could not be easily set aside. His personal vendetta and desire to prove himself superior to Arjuna further motivated him to stay in the war.
8. The Context of the War
The Mahabharata war was not just a personal conflict but a dharma yuddha (war for righteousness). Karna believed that his participation was crucial for the outcome of the war. His presence on the battlefield was significant for the Kauravas, and he felt that his role was indispensable for their cause.
Karna's decision to continue fighting in the Mahabharata war, even after discovering that the Pandavas were his brothers, was influenced by a combination of loyalty, sense of duty, honor, personal principles, and the complex emotional and societal dynamics of his life. His character embodies the tragic hero, caught between loyalty and truth, ultimately choosing to honor his commitments and duties over his newfound family ties.