Mahabharata Questions and Answers
Mahabharata
What is the role of dharma in Mahabharata?
Dharma in the Mahabharata refers to an individual's duty or role in life, which is determined by various factors including social position and personal nature. This concept is context-sensitive and...
Mahabharata
What are the characteristics of the classical Indian epic, specifically the Mahabharata?
The classical Indian epic, including the Mahabharata, features detailed visual art, rich imagery, and was originally orally transmitted, leading to multiple versions. The Mahabharata, written by Ved...
Mahabharata
What's the significance of dharma and the heroic ideal in the Mahabharata's dicing episode?
In the dicing episode of the Mahabharata, dharma and the heroic ideal are central as Yudhishthira adheres to his duty despite knowing he will lose. His commitment to dharma compels him to accept the...
Mahabharata
How does Arjuna become the master of sleep in Mahabharata and what elements are involved?
Arjuna is called "Gudakesha" in the Mahabharata, which some interpret as "master of sleep," meaning he has overcome ignorance through his relationship with Krishna, seeing through the illusion of the...
Mahabharata
How many times did Lord Krishna display Vishwaroopa in the Mahabharata?
Lord Krishna displayed the Vishwaroopa, or universal form, once in the Mahabharata. This occurred during a pivotal moment when Arjuna, overwhelmed by doubt about fighting in the war, was guided by...
Mahabharata
What are the flaws in Mahabharata?
The main flaws in Mahabharata characters include Dhritarashtra's excessive love for his sons, Duryodhana's unrelenting vengeance, Bhishma's loyalty that prevents him from criticizing wrongdoings,...
Mahabharata
How does Shakuntala in Mahabharata represent and fall short of the Indian feminine ideal?
Shakuntala represents the Indian ideal of womanhood by her caring nature. When Dushyanta, the king of Hastinapur, shoots Shakuntala's pet deer in the forest, she immediately comforts the injured...
Mahabharata
What does the Mahabharata convey about the relationship between violence and morality? Does it justify violence under...
The Mahabharata says many things about the relationship between violence and morality, some of them contradictory or seemingly contradictory, because it speaks with many different voices (in...
Mahabharata
How is the author represented as a character in the Mahabharata?
Vyasa's appearance as a character in his own epic makes a statement with strong historical implications. His name literally means “compiler” in Sanskrit, and Vyasa is also believed to be the one who...