REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND CAMPUSES
MULANAY, QUEZON BRANCH/ PUP GENERAL LUNA CAMPUS-ANNEX
MAHABHARATA
(WRITTEN REPORT)
BY
RECILLA, CHRIS ANN JOY A.
ABE, ALTHEA
BEED II
ELEC BEED - GEE1
CARLOS M. CRIBE
INSTRUCTOR
MAHABHARATA
The Mahabharata is one of the two great Sanskrit epics of ancient India,
alongside the Ramayana. It is a vast and complex work, traditionally attributed
to the sage Vyasa, who also appears as a character within the story. The epic
is revered in Hinduism as both a historical account ("itihasa") and a text about
dharma (Hindu moral law).The Mahabharata is believed to have been
composed over several centuries, with its core narrative dating back to around
the 4th century BCE. It is a rich tapestry of mythology, philosophy, social
commentary, and epic storytelling, offering a glimpse into the beliefs, values,
and societal structures of ancient India.
Main Characters
Pandavas: The five brothers at the heart of the epic, known for their
righteousness and adherence to dharma.
Yudhishthira: The eldest and most virtuous Pandava, known for his
honesty and justice.
Bhima: The second eldest, renowned for his immense strength and
ferocity.
Arjuna: The third eldest, considered the greatest warrior of his time,
known for his archery skills.
Nakula: The fourth eldest, skilled in horsemanship and warfare.
Sahadeva: The youngest, known for his wisdom and knowledge of
astrology.
Kauravas: The hundred sons of Dhritarashtra, often portrayed as
envious, greedy, and driven by a desire for power.
Duryodhana: The eldest and most prominent Kaurava, the main
antagonist of the epic.
Dushasana: Duryodhana's brother, known for his cruelty and violence.
Karna: A skilled warrior who was raised by adoptive parents, but later
revealed to be a Pandava brother. He is known for his loyalty to
Duryodhana and his tragic fate.
Krishna: The god Vishnu in human form, a close friend and advisor to the
Pandavas. He plays a pivotal role in the Kurukshetra War, guiding the
Pandavas towards righteousness.
Draupadi: The wife of all five Pandava brothers, known for her beauty,
intelligence, and unwavering loyalty.
Bhishma: A powerful warrior and patriarch of the Kuru dynasty, known for
his vow of celibacy and his unwavering loyalty to the Kuru throne.
Drona: A skilled warrior and teacher who trained both the Pandavas and
Kauravas in warfare.
Dhritarashtra: The blind king of Hastinapura, father of the Kauravas, and
a figure of weakness and indecision.
Gandhari: Dhritarashtra's wife, mother of the Kauravas, and a woman of
immense strength and wisdom.
Vidura: Dhritarashtra's half-brother, known for his wisdom and his support
for the Pandavas.
Pandu: The father of the Pandavas, a skilled king and warrior.
Satyavati: The mother of Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Bhishma.
Vyasa: The sage who is traditionally credited with composing the
Mahabharata.
Narrative Outline
The Mahabharata's narrative can be broadly outlined as follows:
The Birth and Upbringing of the Kauravas and Pandavas: The epic
begins with the birth of the two warring families, highlighting the growing
rivalry and animosity between them.
The Pandavas' Exile: The Pandavas are forced into exile after losing
their kingdom in a game of dice rigged by Duryodhana. During their exile,
they encounter Krishna, who becomes their close friend and advisor.
The Return and the War: The Pandavas return to Hastinapura and
demand their rightful kingdom, but the Kauravas refuse, leading to the
devastating Kurukshetra War.
The Kurukshetra War: The war is the central event of the epic,
showcasing themes of dharma, karma, and the consequences of greed
and injustice. The Bhagavad Gita, a philosophical and devotional text
within the Mahabharata, is a dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna on the
battlefield, exploring the nature of duty, the path to liberation, and the
importance of selfless action.
The Aftermath and the Legacy: The war ends with the victory of the
Pandavas, but at a great cost. The epic concludes with reflections on the
consequences of war, the importance of dharma, and the enduring power
of fate.
The central narrative of the Mahabharata revolves around the Kurukshetra
War, a conflict between two groups of cousins: the Kauravas and
the Pandavas. The Kauravas, led by Duryodhana, are the sons of the blind
king Dhritarashtra, while the Pandavas, led by Yudhishthira, are the sons
of Pandu. The war is sparked by the Kauravas' jealousy and greed for the
throne of Hastinapura, which rightfully belongs to the Pandavas.
The epic begins with the birth and upbringing of the Kauravas and Pandavas,
highlighting the growing animosity between the two groups. The Pandavas
are forced into exile after losing their kingdom in a game of dice rigged by
Duryodhana. During their exile, they encounter the god Krishna, who
becomes their close friend and advisor. The Pandavas eventually return to
Hastinapura and demand their rightful kingdom, but the Kauravas refuse,
leading to the devastating Kurukshetra War.
The war is a major turning point in the epic, showcasing themes
of dharma, karma, and the consequences of greed and injustice. The
Bhagavad Gita, a philosophical and devotional text within the Mahabharata, is
a dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna, the third Pandava, on the battlefield
of Kurukshetra. It explores the nature of duty, the path to liberation, and the
importance of selfless action.
Conclusion
Studying the Mahabharata is a journey of profound exploration, offering
insights into ancient Indian civilization, human nature, and the complexities of
life. It challenges our assumptions about morality, duty, and the
consequences of our actions. The epic's enduring themes of family, justice,
and the search for meaning continue to resonate with readers across cultures
and generations, making the Mahabharata a timeless and invaluable text for
self-reflection and spiritual growth.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabharata
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mahabharata
https://www.worldhistory.org/Mahabharata/
https://www.jatland.com/home/Mahabharata/Introduction
https://www.litcharts.com/lit/mahabharata/characters
https://www.gradesaver.com/mahabharata/study-guide/character-list
