parvas

Parva is a Sanskrit term meaning division, section, or episode. The plural parvas refers to major divisions within a larger text, especially lengthy Sanskrit narratives. In classical literature, parvas organize a work into thematically coherent blocks, often with distinct settings and characters.

The most well-known use is in the Mahabharata, where the epic is traditionally divided into 18 parvas, though some editions vary in the list or order. Each parva has its own title and focus, ranging from the opening Adi Parva, which covers origins and lineage, to later parvas that deal with the war, its aftermath, and moral and philosophical reflections. Notable parvas include Bhishma Parva, which contains the dialogue on the battlefield and the Bhagavad Gita within its frame; Santi Parva, the Book of Peace, which discusses governance and dharma; and Anushasana Parva, on duties and righteousness. The narrative also includes the war-period parvas that recount battles and deaths, and the later parvas Mausala Parva and Svargarohana Parva, which address the decline of dynasties and the final ascent to heaven.

Beyond the Mahabharata, parva as a term is used more broadly to denote major divisions within other long Sanskrit works. The concept helps scholars trace narrative arcs, themes, and ethical arguments across a text. While editions and translations may vary in the exact list and ordering of parvas, the idea of dividing a sprawling epic into them remains a standard feature of Sanskrit epic literature.