The Mahabharata

An Overview

Abstract

The Mahabharata, one of the two major Hindu epics, is a vast and intricate narrative significantly longer than Western literary epics. Centered around the climactic Battle of Kurukshetra, it follows the conflict between the virtuous Pandava princes and their antagonistic cousins, the Kauravas. The epic weaves together mythology, philosophy, and moral dilemmas, notably featuring the Bhagavad Gita. Its non-linear storytelling and inclusion of diverse subplots reflect the Indian conception of time. The war culminates in the decimation of the warrior class, with the surviving heroes ultimately seeking salvation and heaven, highlighting the epic's enduring spiritual and ethical themes.