Author: B R Kishore
Publisher: Diamond
Year: 2005
Language: English
Pages: 159
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8171820689
Description
The Mahabharata, in combination with its sister epic the Ramayana, emobodies the quintessence of our national consciousness, unity and great cultural heritage. These two great works together constitute the biggest single source of Indian poetry, philosophy, drama, fiction, music, sculpture, painting, folklore and other forms of creative expression.
Since ancient and hoary past these epics have been read, recited, enacted and told in story forms throughout the length and breadth of India. These were translated and transcreated from the original Sanskrit, in most of Indian languages within a few centuries of their composition. These traveled to distant lands and countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Java, Sumatra, Vietnam, Burma, etc., in the early centuries of the Christian era.
A work of great genius, like the Mahabharata belongs to the entire humanity, and not only to India and her people. It transcends all sectarian, institutionalized, religious, region and such other boundaries. A follower of any religion or country would not find anything wrong in reading, reciting, listening to, enjoying and learning form this great ancient literary and philosophical creation.
Contents
PART ONE-THE BEGINNING
Shantanu and Ganga
The Terrible Vow
Bhishma and the Three Princesses
Pandu and Dhritarashtra are Married
The Coming of Dronacharya
The Royal Tournament
The Palace of Wax
Draupadi’s Svayamvara
Indraprastha
The Rajasuya
The Fated Assembly
The Dice and the Stakes
The Exiled Pandavas
The Pilgrimage
Duryodhana is Humiliated
The Yaksha-Query
In Virata’s Court
Attack of Virata
The Missions and Messengers
Karna and Kunti
PART TWO-THE GREAT WAR
On the Eve of War
The Bhagvad Gita
The Battle Begins
Krishna is Worked Up
Duryodhana is Disgraced
Before the Tenth Day
The Fall of Bhishma
The Great Drona
Abhimanyu the God-like Lad
Abhimanyu Avenged
Ghatotkacha is slain
The Fall of Drona
Karna in Command
The Fall of Karna
Salya is Slain
The Death of Duryodhana
PART THREE: AFTER THE GREAT WAR
Aswathama
Gandhari
The Sun-born Radheya is Your Brother
Bhishma Passes Away
The Death of the Elders
The Passing Away of Krishna
The Last Ordeal