Mahabharata: The Great Indian Epic by Sudarshan Ray - English | Paperback | Book on Ancient Indian Stories about Pandavas and Kauravas | Kurukshetra War | Greatest Epic of India Paperback – 20 June 2023

India is a land steeped in ancient history & mythology, holds a rich cultural tapestry woven with legends and epics . Amongst the most significant is the Mahabharata, a sprawling epic that delves into profound themes & showcases complexities of human nature.The Mahabharata narrates the legendary Kurukshetra war between the Pandavas and the Kaurava's, two Royal families vying for power."Mahabharata: The Great Indian Epic" By Sudarshan Ray @sudarshan_writes is a modern retelling of the epic . Author has made every effort to present the two sides impartially.The book divided into Six chapter's.In this book, Ray endeavors to make the complexities of the Mahabharata accessible to contemporary readers while preserving the essence of its timeless themes.It explores profound themes such as Dharma (righteousness), Karma (action & consequences) and the intricacies of familial relationships as portrayed in the original epic.The author adeptly highlights the moral ambiguities faced by characters, encouraging readers to reflect on their own values and choices.Ray's writing is characterized by vivid descriptions and an ability to evoke the emotional depth of the characters, making their struggles relatable to a modern audience.One of the significant achievements of Ray's work is its accessibility. While the Mahabharata is often regarded as a complicated text with layered narratives, Ray simplifies the structure without diluting the richness of the story.This makes it suitable for readers who may be encountering the epic for the first time, as well as for those familiar with it seeking a fresh perspective.The book is complemented by illustrations that enhance the reading experience, providing a visual representation of the epic’s and makes the narrative more engaging."Mahabharata: The Great Indian Epic" by Sudarshan Ray is a commendable effort to bring the timeless story of the Mahabharata to a wider audience.Its blend of accessibility, engaging prose, and deep thematic exploration makes it a valuable addition to the literature surrounding this ancient epic.

I've always heard stories of this ancient epic but never got to know all the characters involved, nor did I get the opportunity to watch the series telecasted on TV.When I got the opportunity to read this book, I did not think twice before picking it up, I immediately grabbed the chance.We have always known the Pandavas to be the heroes. But this book shows that both the Pandavas and the Kauravas have their own strengths and weaknesses, and we also get to know each character in detail in this story. There were so many characters that I was not aware of, and this book brought them to light in a simple retelling.The love, loss, betrayal, war, and everything that happens in this story come alive when you start reading.The friendship between Karna and Duryodhana, or Krishna and Arjuna, was something unexplainable that touched me throughout. Likewise, Yudhishthir's humble nature touched me. I can keep talking about each character that touched me, such was the impact of this book.What I loved the most is the pace. Bringing in such an epic is not easy, but the author has done a tremendous job in covering all the parts of the epic in such a great manner. Small chapters with depth and family trees at the beginning of the chapters were the highlight of the book, making it easy for readers to understand each character’s role in the story. The summary of all the characters at the end of the book is an additional package that adds meaning to this entire retelling!A must read book!

I recently read Mahabharata: The Great Indian Epic by Sudarshan Ray, and I have mixed feelings about it. The story begins with King Shantanu and runs all the way to the deaths of the Pandavas and Kauravas. For such a massive epic to be packed into about 500 pages while still covering all the important events is impressive. The author kept things to the point without unnecessarily dragging the story with long dialogues or extra emotions, which made it a faster, more focused read. The short, sharp chapters also helped. They made the flow smoother and less overwhelming. I especially liked how the war episodes were described, they had good clarity, moved at a steady pace, and gave a sense of the action without drowning the reader in endless detail.It was refreshing to read this version because it carried a very modern vibe. For example, the way it was written that Durvasa had always bullied people, or how Krishna told Arjuna to get a grip on himself, felt bold and very genzish . I really liked the way Krishna called Arjuna out and pushed him to take a stand against Bhishma for the sake of defending dharma. I also loved how Babruvahana’s story was included, since most retellings completely forget about him. These touches gave the book more completeness and made it stand out from many other versions.On the other hand, there were a few aspects that didn’t sit right with me personally. The portrayal of women, for example, felt unnecessarily sexualized in some parts. The descriptions came across as bold, almost brazen, and I felt that it took away from the dignity and strength that women characters in the Mahabharata are usually known for. While I understand that every retelling has its own style, this particular tone made me a bit uncomfortable and pulled me out of the story.Overall, I’d say this book is worth reading if you’re looking for a simplified version of the epic, especially to get a good sense of how the war unfolded. It’s quick, accessible, and keeps you engaged without too much complexity. But if you’re sensitive to how women characters are written, like me, you might find certain parts distracting.