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Introduction To Mahabharata

The Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic attributed to sage Vyasa, consisting of approximately 100,000 shlokas and composed between 400 BCE and 400 CE, blending mythology, history, and philosophy. It explores themes such as dharma, karma, and morality, featuring complex characters and narrative techniques, and is compared to Greek epics for its universal archetypes. The epic continues to influence literature, art, and modern adaptations, serving as a guide to life and reflecting the intricacies of human existence.

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48 views3 pages

Introduction To Mahabharata

The Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic attributed to sage Vyasa, consisting of approximately 100,000 shlokas and composed between 400 BCE and 400 CE, blending mythology, history, and philosophy. It explores themes such as dharma, karma, and morality, featuring complex characters and narrative techniques, and is compared to Greek epics for its universal archetypes. The epic continues to influence literature, art, and modern adaptations, serving as a guide to life and reflecting the intricacies of human existence.

Uploaded by

vidhiw2007
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Slide 1 – Title Slide

 The Mahabharata: An Introduction from a Literary Perspective


– What is the Mahabharata?
 Epic poem of ancient India
 Attributed to sage Vyasa
 World’s longest epic (approx. 100,000 shlokas / 200,000 lines of verse)
Slide 3 – Historical Context
 Composition: c. 400 BCE – 400 CE
 Oral tradition → written text
 Blend of mythology, history, and philosophy
Slide 4 – Literary Significance
 Compared to Homer’s Iliad & Odyssey
 Encyclopedic in scope: narrative, philosophy, ethics, politics, and law
 Called “Itihasa” (history + legend)
Slide 5 – Structure of the Epic
 18 Parvas (Books)
 Central narrative: Kurukshetra War
 Embedded stories: fables, myths, philosophical discourses
Slide 6 – Key Characters
 Pandavas vs Kauravas
 Krishna as guide & strategist
 Draupadi, Bhishma, Drona, Karna, Gandhari, etc.
Slide 7 – Themes
 Dharma (duty, righteousness)
 Karma (action & consequence)
 Fate vs Free will
 Morality in war
 Family, loyalty, and betrayal
Slide 8 – The Bhagavad Gita
 Located in Bhishma Parva (Book 6)
 Dialogue between Krishna & Arjuna
 Philosophical essence of Hindu thought
 Explores action, devotion, and knowledge
Slide 9 – Narrative Techniques
 Frame stories (stories within stories)
 Dialogues and debates
 Symbolism and allegory
 Poetry in epic meter (shloka)
Slide 10 – Comparative Literature
 Similarities with Greek epics (Iliad, Odyssey)
 Family feud like Shakespearean tragedy
 Universal archetypes: heroism, betrayal, destiny
Slide 11 – Character Complexity
 No absolute heroes or villains
 Karna: tragic hero
 Duryodhana: flawed antagonist
 Draupadi: voice of resistance
Slide 12 – Women in the Mahabharata
 Draupadi, Gandhari, Kunti, Subhadra
 Gender, power, and fate
 Questions of female agency
Slide 13 – Philosophical Dimensions
 Dharma vs Adharma
 Ethical dilemmas
 Search for truth (satya)
Slide 14 – Didactic Purpose
 Instructional as well as narrative
 Guide to life, kingship, and society
 “What is found here may be found elsewhere, but what is not found here is nowhere
else”
Slide 15 – The Mahabharata and Law
 Sources of Dharmaśāstra (law & morality)
 Political theory (Arthashastra parallels)
 Justice, punishment, and order
Slide 16 – Reception & Influence
 Revered across South Asia
 Influenced poetry, drama, dance, and art
 Adapted in modern literature and film
Slide 17 – English Translations
 K.M. Ganguli (first full English translation)
 C. Rajagopalachari (abridged retelling)
 Modern scholarly translations (e.g., J.A.B. van Buitenen)
Slide 18 – Modern Adaptations
 Peter Brook’s stage/play (1989)
 Television serials (Doordarshan, B.R. Chopra)
 Contemporary novels (e.g., Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s The Palace of Illusions)
Slide 19 – Why Study the Mahabharata in Literature?
 Universal human dilemmas
 Rich literary artistry
 Bridge between myth, history, and philosophy
 Continuing cultural relevance
Slide 20 – Conclusion
 The Mahabharata is not just an epic—it is a mirror of human existence
 Combines literature, philosophy, and morality
 Continues to inspire readers, writers, and thinkers across the world

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