Three Rails of the Mahābhārata Text Tradition

Abstract

Mahadevan identifies three primary layers in the Mahābhārata text tradition: the oral bardic epic, the theological/didactic interpolation (mainly Brahmanical), and the editorial interventions culminating in the Critical Edition. He contends that these layers—rather than being distortions—reflect evolving social and religious values. The Critical Edition's attempt to create a fixed “ur-text” flattens this dynamic tradition. Mahadevan champions a model that celebrates plurality within textual formation, honoring both literary beauty and sectarian interests.