Mṛtyuñjaya – The Death Conqueror: The Story of Karna – Shivaji Sawant

Title: Mṛtyuñjaya – The Death Conqueror: The Story of Karna

Author: Shivaji Sawant

Publisher: Writers Workshop

Edition & Year: 2008 Edition

Pages: 697 pages

Size: 6 in x 9 in

Format: Hardcover

First published in Marathi and later translated into several Indian languages, Shivaji Sawant’s Mṛtyuñjaya – The Death Conqueror remains one of the most celebrated retellings of the Mahābhārata. This 2008 hardcover edition by Writers Workshop spans 697 pages and presents the extraordinary life and tragic destiny of Karna, the legendary warrior often regarded as the unsung hero of the epic.

The novel adopts a multi-narrative structure, where Karna and other key characters—including Kunti, Duryodhana, Shon, and Krishna—offer their voices and perspectives. This approach not only humanizes Karna but also reveals the moral complexities, social stigmas, and ethical dilemmas that shaped his destiny. Sawant explores themes of honor, loyalty, friendship, love, and sacrifice, making the book a timeless philosophical inquiry into the human condition.

At its core, Mṛtyuñjaya is the story of a man caught between fate and free will—born of divine parentage but abandoned at birth, raised by a humble charioteer, yet destined to become one of the most formidable warriors of his time. His unwavering loyalty to Duryodhana, his silent suffering, and his tragic end elevate Karna to the status of a tragic hero who conquers death through immortal honor.

This hardcover edition measuring 6 x 9 inches is ideal for collectors, scholars, and readers of Indian epics and mythology. With its lyrical prose, psychological depth, and timeless themes, the book has become a cornerstone of modern Indian literary classics, standing alongside other great retellings of the

Mahābhārata.

• 2008 hardcover edition published by Writers Workshop

• Spanning 697 pages of epic storytelling

• A retelling of Karna’s life from the Mahābhārata

• Multi-perspective narrative with voices of Karna, Kunti, Duryodhana, Shon, and Krishna

• Explores profound themes of destiny, dharma, honor, and sacrifice

• Recognized as a modern classic of Indian literature

• Essential for readers of mythology, epics, and Indian philosophy

• A collectible edition for lovers of literary retellings of the Mahābhārata