Mahabharata: A Modern Translation follows the epic tale of the Pandava and Kaurava families, descendants of the ancient emperor Bharata, focusing on their rivalries and the resulting Kurukshetra War. The story weaves together themes of duty, virtue, and the battle between good and evil, culminating in a massive war that reshapes their destinies and includes the renowned "Bhagavad Gita." The narrative delves into their lineage, conflicts, and philosophical discourses over twelve books.

The Mahabharata, a monumental epic, captures readers with its profound narrative and intricate characters. Reviews praise its exploration of moral dilemmas and vast cultural impact. However, its length and complexity can be daunting for some. Overall, it's celebrated for its literary and philosophical richness, but may require patience and dedication to fully appreciate.

A reader who enjoys the Mahabharata by Anonymous typically has an interest in epic literature, mythology, and philosophical narratives. They might also appreciate complex character arcs and moral dilemmas found in works like The Iliad and The Odyssey by Homer, as well as the existential questions explored in Bhagavad Gita.

Challenging / Emotional / Mysterious / Bittersweet

- The Mahabharata is one of the longest epic poems in the world, with over 100,000 shloka (verses) or 1.8 million words in total.
- This epic introduces the concept of dharma, an essential idea in Indian culture, which explores the moral responsibilities and duties of individuals.
- The text is said to be composed by the sage Vyasa, who dictated it to the divine scribe Ganesha; the legendary elephant-headed deity wrote it down using one of his tusks as a pen.

**Bhishma**  
The human incarnation of a sky god and son of King Shantanu and the river goddess Ganga, known for his vow of celibacy and loyalty to the throne, playing a pivotal role in the events leading to the Kurukshetra War.

**Arjuna**  
One of the five Pandava brothers and a master archer, distinguished by his divine heritage as the son of the god Indra and his deep moral and spiritual journey, highlighted by his relationship with Krishna.

**Draupadi**  
A strong and dynamic central figure born from fire, revered as the wife of the five Pandavas, known for her resilience and her role in the ensuing conflict between the Pandavas and Kauravas.

**Duryodhana**  
The eldest Kaurava prince, characterized by his ambitious rivalry with the Pandavas and his complex motivations driven by familial pride and loyalty, yet ultimately leading to discord within the Kuru dynasty.

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Scripture

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Mahabharata and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Mahabharata Summary

Background

Mahabharata Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Translator’s Preface-Chapter 5

Mahabharata Translator’s Preface-Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-13

Mahabharata Chapters 6-13 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 14-21

Mahabharata Chapters 14-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-29

Mahabharata Chapters 22-29 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 30-37

Mahabharata Chapters 30-37 Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

Mahabharata Key Figures

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Themes

Mahabharata Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Mahabharata Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Mahabharata Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Mahabharata Essay Topics

Mahabharata

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Mahabharata?

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Book Details