Karna (Sanskrit: कर्ण written Karṇa in IAST transliteration) is one of the central figures in Hinu epic Mahābhārata. He was the first son of Kunti, and was thus half brother to the Pandavas, and the eldest of them. Although Duryodhana of the Kauravas appoint him king of Anga, his role in the legend far exceeds the importance of a king. He fought for the Kauravas in the great battle at Kurukshetra. As such, the name Karna (and various other spellings) is a common Indian first name.