DELHI
PUBLIC
SCHOOL ,
HARNI
ENGLISH PROJECT :
BOOK REVIEW OF
MAHABHARAT
PREET JIGAR PATEL
CLASS : XII
SESSION : 2025 – 26
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MAHABHARAT :
AN EPIC TALE
ORIGINS AND CONTEXT:
EXPLORING THE HISTORICAL
BACKDROP
The Mahabharata
was orally
transmitted for
centuries. It evolved
from ancient Indian
history and
mythology. It is
traditionally
attributed to Vyasa.
The epic is believed
to depict events
from the late Vedic
period. This era saw
the rise of various
kingdoms and
philosophical
thought. Its
narratives reflect the
social and political
structures of ancient
India.
KEY CHARACTERS: UNVEILING THE
PROTAGONISTS AND ANTAGONISTS
PANDAVAS : Yudhishthira, Bhima,
Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva represent
virtue..;
KAURAVAS :Duryodhana and his
ninety-nine brothers embody greed and
injustice.
LORD KRISHNA ; The divine charioteer
and guide, central to the epic's
philosophy. These characters engage in
a colossal struggle for power and
righteousness. Their actions drive the
epic's central conflict. Their fates are
intertwined with the concept of dharma.
THE GREAT GAME OF
DICE: SEEDS OF
CONFLICT
Duryodhana's
Jealousy:Fueled
by envy,
Duryodhana plots
to usurp the
Pandavas' rightful
share
Yudhishthira,
bound by honor,
gambles away his
kingdom, brothers,
and Draupadi.
Draupadi's
Humiliation:Her
public disrobing
sparks outrage and
seals the fate of
the dynasties.
THE EXILE AND TRIALS:
TESTING DHARMA AND
RESILIENCE
The exile of the
Pandavas in the
Mahabharata serves as
a pivotal period of
testing both their
dharma (righteousness)
and their
resilience. Forced into
exile by their deceitful
cousins, the Pandavas
endure hardships, both
physical and emotional,
while upholding their
moral principles. This
period of adversity
allows them to
demonstrate their
unwavering
commitment to dharma
and their ability to
overcome challenges,
ultimately shaping them
into stronger and wiser
individuals
THE KURUKSHETRA WAR: A
BATTLE OF
RIGHTEOUSNESS
The Kurukshetra
War, a central event
in the Mahabharata
epic, represents a
battle for
righteousness, not
just a military
conflict. It depicts a
struggle between
the righteous
Pandavas and the
unrighteous
Kauravas,
emphasizing
themes of duty,
morality, and the
eternal conflict
between good and
evil.
BHAGAVAD GITA: DIVINE GUIDANCE
AMIDST CHAOS
The Bhagavad Gita is a
Hindu scripture
offering guidance in
navigating life's
challenges by
promoting inner peace
and a detached
perspective on actions,
results, and the
world. It emphasizes
the importance of
finding equanimity
amid chaos, focusing
on the process rather
than the outcome, and
cultivating a steady
mind. The Gita's
teachings encourage
surrender to a higher
power and acceptance
of impermanence,
ultimately leading to
liberation and a deeper
sense of fulfillment
CONSEQUENCES AND REFLECTIONS:
THE AFTERMATH OF WAR
The Kurukshetra War in
the Mahabharata, while
resulting in the Pandavas'
victory, left a deep and
lasting impact on all
involved. The
consequences included
immense loss of life,
moral dilemmas for both
victors and vanquished,
and the struggle to
rebuild the kingdom. The
Pandavas, though
triumphant, were
burdened by guilt and the
weight of their
actions. Gandhari,
mourning the loss of her
sons, cursed Krishna,
setting the stage for
future tragedies. The
Yadavas, too, faced
internal conflict and near
extinction.
MORAL DILEMMAS: EXPLORING
COMPLEX ETHICAL QUESTIONS
The Mahabharata is replete with
complex moral dilemmas that
explore conflicting values and
choices. Characters like Krishna,
Arjuna, and Karna grapple with
the intricacies of dharma (duty),
karma (action), and the
consequences of their choices
during the Kurukshetra
War. These dilemmas, often
involving questions of loyalty,
justice, and the pursuit of truth,
offer valuable insights into
ethical decision-making and the
human condition.
LEGACY AND RELEVANCE: ENDURING
LESSONS FOR TODAY
The Mahabharata
offers timeless
lessons applicable
to modern life,
emphasizing
dharma (duty),
karma (actions and
consequences), and
the human
condition. These
lessons include the
dangers of greed
and revenge, the
importance of
ethical leadership
and strategic
thinking, and the
value of friendship
and resilience. The
epic also highlights
the need for
