The Battle Between Arjuna Andkarna Inmahabharatacomicsby R

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THE BATTLE BETWEEN ARJUNA ANDKARNA INMAHABHARATACOMICSBY R. A. KOSASIH AND KURUKSHETRAGAME: AN ADAPTATION STUDY

Kriswanda Krishnapatria

Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang

Abstract This paper examinedan adaptation study of the longest Sanskrit epic, Mahabharata,from a novel by C. Rajagopalacharitocomics by R. A. Kosasih and an online game namedKurukshetra by 7Seas Technologies Ltd. This paper onlyfocused on the battle between Arjuna and Karna in BharatayuddhaWar. This Great War, a conflict that arose from a dynastic succession struggle between two groups of cousins, the Kauravs and Pandavs for the throne of Hastinapura, lasted eighteen day taking place in the famous battlefield: Kurukshetra. The framework used to analyse the mediawas taken from books and lecture notes, and the theory used is based on Ellestrom of modalities by analyzing the element changes in the adaptation study. The conclusion is that both comics and game are adapted differently from the original novel. The findings also show how the comic and the game made few changes due to their different media nature and purposes.

Keywords: Arjuna and Karna, Mahabharata comics, online game, Kurukshetra, adaptation study

Abstrak Makalah ini meneliti sebuah studi adaptasi epik Sansekerta terpanjang, Mahabharata, dari sebuah novel karya C. Rajagopalachari dengan komik oleh RA Kosasih dan sebuah game online bernama Kurukshetra oleh 7Seas Technologies Ltd. Makalah ini hanya berfokus pada pertarungan antara Arjuna dan Karna di Bharatayuddha. Perang. Perang Besar ini, sebuah konflik yang muncul dari pergantian suksesi dinasti antara dua kelompok sepupu, Kauravs dan Pandavs untuk takhta Hastinapura, berlangsung delapan belas hari yang berlangsung di medan perang yang terkenal: Kurukshetra. Kerangka yang digunakan untuk menganalisis media diambil dari buku dan catatan kuliah, dan teori yang digunakan didasarkan pada Ellestrom of capitalities dengan menganalisis perubahan elemen dalam studi adaptasi. Kesimpulannya, kedua komik dan game tersebut diadaptasi berbeda dari novel aslinya. Temuan ini juga menunjukkan bagaimana komik dan permainan membuat sedikit perubahan karena sifat dan tujuan media mereka yang berbeda.

Kata Kunci: Arjuna dan Karna, komik Mahabharata, game online, Kurukshetra, studi adaptasi

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INTRODUCTION Mahabharata epic story in the form of Either a work of literature or art novel. Thus, this study aims to explore hasmedia used to be appreciated. A novel how the battle between Arjuna and Karna uses text, while comics use‘silent’images, in Mahabharata novel by C. and video games usemotion animation Rajagopalachari was adapted into two drawings. Furthermore, the use of a work different media: comics (by R. A. Kosasih) media can also be transformed—for and online gameKurukshetra1. Elements instance: from novels to comics or from that are put into consideration by the writer comics to film with the same title.It is also, are changes in the plot, setting, needless to say, possible for a work from characterization, as well as heirlooms. one media to be adapted to other art media, like music, plays, etc. The Literature Review displacement of a work media can be Sapardi Djoko Damono in his book regarded as an adaptation or trans-genre Comparative Literature (2009: 121) states (the former is a more well-known term). that trans-genre is a transformation from Hutcheon (2006:2) argues, “Adaptations one art type to another type. The changes are everywhere today: on the television are not limited to one or two types of and movie screen, on the musical and literary works. Damono also stated that dramatic stage, on the Internet, in novels literary work is not only simply translated and comic books, in your nearest theme from one language to another, but is also park and video arcade.” adapted or converted into other forms. One of many works out there that Based on that statement, it can be hasundergonean adaptation is the concluded that a literary work can change Hinduepic Mahabharata, an ancient from one media to another media, not only literary work supposedly written by Vyasa limited to merely one direction, but can or Vyasa Begawan from India. also be transformed into a variety of Mahabharata tells the story of conflict forms—for example: from novel can be between five Pandavas with their cousins adapted to a movie or a comic or the other of the hundred Kauravas, fighting over way around, from filmsto novel or comic. thethrone ofHastinapur (Delhi). The climax In the process of a work of the conflict known asBharatayuddha adaptation—from a novel to comics and war took place at Kurukshetra battlefield. an online game in this case—some The location of this battle layon the changes are obviously inevitable. Such field ofKurukshetra, India. The war lasted changes are based on the assumption for 18 days. During the war, a fierce battle that, in adaptation, necessary adjustments took place between Arjuna,a handsome of the original form have to be carried out ksatria(warrior) of Pandavas, and his to suit the new form. Furthermore, Lars cousin Karna of Kauravas on battle days Ellestrom(2010: 15) statesthat media 16th and 17th. This very chapter is then modalities comprise four types, transformed by 7Seas Technologies Ltd., namelymodality of material, sensory agame developer, as an online modality, modality temporal space, and entertainment under the title ‘Kurukshetra’. semiotic modality. Lars Ellestrom in his Furthermore, due to its enormous bookThe Modalities of Media: A Model For popularity,Mahabharata has been Understanding Intermedial Relation (2010) completely rewritten in many further mentions that: versionsworldwide, includingIndonesia, in “Media and art forms are constantly being different media. Raden Ahmad Kosasih, a described and defined on the basis of one prominent Indonesiancomic writer, or more of these modalities. The madeMahabharata comics as many as 13 categories of materiality, time and space, volumes published by Elex Media the visual and the auditory, and natural Komputindo. In India alone, there are countless works of Mahabharata which 1 have been rewritten. C. Rajagopalachari http://www.onlinerealgames.com/play/Kurukshetra was one of Indians who has written .aspx

Jurnal Ilmu Sosial dan Humaniora | 116 P-ISSN: 2303-2898 Vol. 6, No. 2, Oktober 2017 and conventional sign, have been wheels stuck half in the mud. Karna did reshaped over and over again, but they not care, and he cast a spell to rival the tend to be mixed up in fundamental power ofPasupati. However, the second ways...” curse is also fulfilled because all of Considering all of the above, it can sudden all knowledge he had learned from be clearly understood that, inform changes Parasurama is completely oblivious. (adaptation), there are elements becoming Karna promptly asks Arjunato the reason for such changes in the new refrain while he was down pushing the form. These are indeed related to stuckchariot in order to return normal. At materiality, physical form, and signs. In that moment, Krishna urges Arjuna to kill this adaptation research fromthe novel to Karna at oncefor this could be the best comics and online games, changes took opportunity. Arjuna hesitated because at place in the storylines, characters as well that time Karna was not alert and out of as the representation of characters’ his chariot. Krishna remindedArjuna that heirlooms. Karna had also acted unfairly when he contributed to the ganging up on Data Source Abhimanyu to death on day thirteen. Analyses of the data in this paper Recalling the tragic death of his are based on the novel Mahabharata son, Arjunathen released Pasupati arrow, written by C. Rajagopalachari. As for the beheading his arch rival; Karna was killed comic data analysed is famous instantly. Before this seventeenth day of Indonesianseries ofMahabharatabyR. A. the battle, Karna’s heirlooms such as holy Kosasih. The online gameanalysed armors (Kavacha) and earrings (Kundala) isKurukshetra which is a game developed were taken as alms by a priest (brahmin) by 7Seas Technologies Ltd. Therefore, who was actually god Indra in disguise. there are three different media that Indra thenuncovered himself and provided become the object of this study, namely: Karna with a new Indrastraheirloom, (1) novel, (2) comics, and (3) online namelyshaktiVasavior Konta (meaning games. “spear”) as a reward for Karna’s sincerity. Konta, however, can only be used RESULT AND DISCUSSION onceand will perishafterwards. Karna used Kurukshetra War Day 17: Battle Konta heirloom to kill Ghatotkacha, son of between Arjuna and Karna Bima, in early battle. One day before the sixteenth battle day, Karna greatly defeated Yudhisthira, Adaptation in Kurukshetra (online Bimasena, Nakula and Sadewa, and game) and Mahabharata (comics) made them barely alive as promised toKuntiin the past. Karna then competed Changes of Plot and Setting against Arjuna, the best archer of In Kurukshetra, changes occur in Pandavas, in which both are trying to kill the plot and setting of the story. In this each other. When Karna targeted Arjuna’s game version, the tale begins at the story neck using Nagasatraarrow, Salyasilently of Arjuna practicing archery in a beckoned Krishna. Krishna, Arjuna’sGuru forest.This scene apparently does not (mentor), moved hischariot so that Karna’s exist in boththe novel and comics. arrow just missed Arjuna and hit his crown Moreover, both Arjuna and Karna are also instead. The battle is eventually put off by not depicted riding a chariot as of those in the setting sun to next day. the novel and the comic versions. Arjuna On day seventeen, the duel is insteaddisplayed in a standing position between Karna and Arjuna resumed. After during both practicesession and ongoing a fight in a long time, the first curse upon battle. The comics,on the other hand, Karna became a bitter reality. When begins the story same as the original story Arjuna took aim using a magic arrow of the original novel. calledPasupati, one ofKarna’s chariot

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Figure 1. Arjunais practicing archerybefore fighting Karna inKurukshetra

When referring to Ellestrom’s as contained in the novel, but shorter. The theory of modalities, the difference in plot chapter telling Arjuna battle with Karna is and setting is a natural thing since the depicted in illustrations which are material modalities in the comics and somehow classified as short (no more those of the game are not entirely the than 15 pages out of 72 pages in the same. The story contained in the novel comic volume 12). The changes that occur can still be conveyed visually in the in the online game as well as the comic comics, but this is more unlikely to happen are resulting from the unmatched in the game because the game makers thickness ofthe novel. In the originalfiction, have tendency to avoidmaking the players the distribution of the story material is await or be idle for too long. Kurukshetra clearly structured because there is no is anaim and shoot game like other casual limitation of time and space, whereas the mobile games nowadays; hence it aims to comics are limited to the duration entertain you. It is so unfortunate that ofKuruksetra war in only one volume. players can only choose one character to However, the way how detailed emotion play: Arjuna. In the battle against Karna, descriptions of the novel can only angle (angle) and span of the arc pull bevisualized in comics’ character image, (stretch) make up the two main gameplays setting and writing; while in the game, the during the game. Selections of emotional effects and their dramatic heirlooms/arrows do not affect much battlefield situation can be achieved by because they have the same adding background music that is certainly damagethough they offerdifferent scores. not present in the version both comics and While in the comics, background novel. explanation of warfare is clearly visualized

Representation of Characters thecontrary, Karna, who is actually an Arjuna is known as the charming older relative ofPandavas, is a gallant hero Pandavawho is also gentle and well whose qualities arerather complicated. known for his archery prowess. On Despite being an antagonist in the story,

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Karna is known to strongly uphold the Arjuna and Karna figures also look very values of a ksatria (knight). Though by similar from head to toe. They are by all nature he is haughty, arrogant and snob, means equally accomplished archer, both Karna is actually a generous benefactor to mounting the chariots when fighting, and, anybody, especially to the poor and the in terms of facial hair, equallyshow thin Brahmins. mustache. Those occur because sensory In the story of the comics, the modality in comics is simply displayed depiction of Arjuna and Karnaare visually without any special attributes in the identical. For readers, it seems difficult to visualization of Arjuna and Karna tellPandavasfromKauravassincethere is characterizations. barely information of their namesappearing in the dialog bubble.

Figure 2. Karna (above) is attackingPandavas, andArjuna (below) is taking an aim inMahabharatacomic

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In the game, figure representation see two figures (Arjuna and Karna) without of Arjuna and Karna does not differ much any other figures. Kurukshetra background from the comic. They are shown in two fields only provide few horses and chariots almost identical figures, with only a slight mounted without ksatria. Some difference (position, stance and clothes’ charactersfrom the original story are even color). Since the beginning of the game, removed from visualization, players have beenaccustomedwith a third especiallyKrishna and Salya. God Krishna person perspective (Arjuna) in which is is charioteer of Arjuna, while lord Salya is located on the left of screen facing the charioteer of Karna. It is unfortunate that opposite. they were both eliminated in the If we look at terms of the temporal gamesincetheir presence willobviously space modalities, this online game is give the game real atmosphere to the different from those of the comics and utmost. novels. In the game’s display, players only

Figure 3. Arjuna (above) is fighting Karna (below) inKurukshetra game

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Arjuna’s pink clothes and Kama’s Dewadatta, which means “grace of God”. blueappearance will give special meaning On the contrary, since Karna has allotted when we refer to semiotic modalities. his relic clothes to Lord Indra in disguise, Arjuna wearing pink clothing is a symbolic he only has Vasavishakti or Konta figure of a loving, happy, sweet, and (meaning “spear”) as a reward for his confident man (since he is the most sincerity. reliable Pandavas’ archer). On the other In the comics, Arjuna’s and hand, Karna wearing blue clothing has Karna’s heirloomsare shown through meaning ofself-esteem, reliability and arrows that are comingone another. responsibility. Karna is famously known for Arjuna has a magic arrow Pasupatiwhich becomingthe warlord onKaurava’s side in eventually ended Karna’s life. As for Karna thisenormouswar. himself, he scarcely possessed auseable heirloom after hisKonta had been used to Heirlooms slainGatotKaca. Only there is a magic Arjuna has a powerful heirloom spear whose name was not mentioned in that is actually a gift from the gods as the the comic, destroying the crown worn by result of his hermitage. He hasgod Arjuna. Therefore, regarding material Shiva’sPasupati arrowadministered to modality, heirlooms shown in the comics, bringJayadratha and Karna down in in terms of weapon variant, are certainlyfar Bharatayuddha. His bow called Gandiwa outweighedby those of the other two is god Varuna’s token when he was about media. to burn the forests Kandawa. Arjuna also has a shell trumpet (Sangkala) known as

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Figure 4. Images on someheirlooms inMahabharatacomic

Interestingly, Kurukshetra game In terms of material modalities, allows players to try out all sorts of obviously it is not common if it is applied in heirlooms in which the original novel story the novel or the comics since it will disrupt and the comics never presented. It is the universal main story that has been somehow still considered reasonable produced tonumerous generations for inasmuch as archery elements and their centuries (e.g.Konta has always been told variants are decidedlythe main attraction to us that it belongs to Karna, not Arjuna). of the game. During the battle against Online games, however, that act more as Karna, a player (Arjuna) is allowed to pick entertainment system do not have to worry their preferred arrows. There are six about all of those provisions as it has different types of relic arrows altogether different material modality and purposes. that can be used: Konta, Nagastra, The game tends to makeits players use all Chandrastra, Suryastra, Pasupati, and types of arrows available in order to obtain normal arrows. Clearly, what is fascinating great scores. is both Arjuna and Karna are able to use all types of arrows available.

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Figure 5. Heirlooms Arjuna can usein Kurukshetra game (from left to right: Konta, Pasupati, Suryastra, Nagastra, dan Chandrastra)

Meanwhile, only in the game is that havea more lively war atmosphere. In shell trumpet (Sangkala) named addition, the music also serves as a Dewadatta belonging toArjunais displayed. conduit of emotion and dramatic effects for Sangkalain the game serves to turn the the players. music and sound effects on. With the presence of music features during the game, players are more likely going to

Figure 6. Relic trumpet Dewadatta of Arjunain Kurukshetra. This sangkala functions toactivate/deactivatein-game music/sound.

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CONCLUSION allowed to use for players is onlyArjuna. The changes occurring in those Through this game, playersare expected two different media (comics and online to grow curiosity about Mahabharata and game)arebecause the material in the other cultural aspects that exist. original novel is not the same as both media. In the novel, the story material is REFERENCES clearly structured because there is no limitation of time and space, whereas the Damono, Sapardi Djoko. 2009. Sastra comics are limited to only significant Bandingan. Jakarta: Editum. illustrations during the battle. In addition, a Dumont, Sandy. Color Psychology. detailed description in the novel is Accessed on 1 June 2013, on required by the comic to bring up the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_an emotions that are only visualized in the alysis_(art). form of images and text, while the online Ellestrom, Lars (ed). 2010. Media Borders, game, aiming at entertaining, can Multimodality, and Intermediality. demonstrate emotional effect and a Hampshire: Pallgrave Macmillan. dramatic fight can be highlighted by Hoed, Benny H. 2011. adding background music which is SemiotikdanDinamikaSosialBudaya. noticeably absent in either novel or comic Depok: KomunitasBambu. version. It goes without saying that Hutcheon, Linda. 2006. A Theory Of comicsare art form usingsilent pictures Adaptation. New York: Routledge arranged incertainformsto construct the Taylor and Francis Group. whole story. Typically, comics are printed Kosasih, R. A. 2000. Komik Mahabharata on paper and come with text. Vol. 12. Jakarta: PT. Elex Media Kurukshetragame itself is not Komputindo. merely a medium for games and Rajagopalachari, C. 2013. Kitab entertainment, but rather a communication EposMAHABHARATA. Yogyakarta: tool to convey the values of culture, history Ircisod. and literature through an unusual way. Wellek R. & Warren A. 1990. This game is a single playercasual game- TeoriKesusastraan. Jakarta: PT type that does not require players to think Gramedia. too much when playing. The character

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