Mahbhrata

Mahbhrata, also spelled Mahabharata, is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, traditionally attributed to the sage Vyasa. It narrates the struggle for sovereignty between two collateral branches of the Kuru clan, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, culminating in the Kurukshetra War. The epic is vast, often described as one of the longest works of epic poetry, and exists in many recensions and languages.

The central narrative interweaves a wide range of subplots, legends, and philosophical discourses. Its primary themes include dharma (duty and righteousness), ethics in leadership and war, and the responsibilities of power. The Mahabharata also contains political and social commentary, discussions on governance, justice, and virtue, and a rich parade of characters with complex motives. A landmark section is the Bhagavad Gita, a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna on duty, action, and devotion, embedded in the Bhishma Parva of the text.

Scholarly dating places its composition over a broad period, from roughly the early centuries BCE to the early centuries CE, with the core narrative taking shape in the common era. It has been transmitted through countless manuscript traditions and has inspired numerous retellings in regional languages and media.

Culturally, the Mahabharata occupies a foundational role in Hindu thought and Indian literature. It has influenced religious practice, philosophy, art, theatre, and modern storytelling, shaping conceptions of virtue, governance, and human conduct across South Asia.