Mahabharata: The Great Indian Epic

I thoroughly enjoyed "Mahabharata: The Great Indian Epic" by Sudarshan Ray. As someone familiar with the epic, I appreciated Ray's retelling, which brought back nostalgic memories. The book is perfect for newcomers to the Mahabharata, with a steady pace that masterfully weaves together the complex characters and storylines. The inclusion of a Kuru family tree at the beginning is a thoughtful touch, helping readers navigate the numerous characters. The characters are well-described, and the war scenes are particularly engaging, with each day's events detailed vividly. Ray's writing is easy to follow, making the epic accessible to a wide range of readers. The language is simple, and the medium pace keeps the story flowing. This book is an excellent introduction to the Mahabharata, connecting ancient mythology to modern times. Ray's retelling is engaging, and his narrative brings the characters to life. Overall, I found it to be a compelling read, perfect for those new to the epic or looking for a fresh perspective. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in mythology, ancient India, or epic tales.

What an epic timeless story, with moral teachings that are so relevant to today. The author has done a brilliant job of bringing the story to the fore, and authoring in such a fashion that makes it eloquent yet accessible for the average person to read. I couldn't put the book down, finished it in 5 days. Now organising a trip to India to visit the sacred/historical sites of the Mahabharat.

One of India's gifts to the world! The symbolic description of the conflicts, contradictions, choices we all face in life. B. S. Once you figure out who the players are and that's a challenge it is a fun read.

they should make a movie of this.

Mahabharata by Sudarshan Ray is a simplified retelling of the great Indian epic originally attributed to Vyasa. The book presents the complex story of the Mahabharata in an easy and engaging language so that young readers and beginners can understand it without difficulty. The story mainly revolves around the conflict between the two royal families: the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Through this conflict, the author explains important themes such as duty, justice, loyalty, and the consequences of greed and jealousy. The book describes famous events like the game of dice, the exile of the Pandavas, and the great battle of Kurukshetra. One of the strengths of Sudarshan Ray’s writing is its simplicity. The language is clear and straightforward, which makes the epic easier to follow. Even though the original Mahabharata is very long and complex, this version keeps the main events and characters while removing unnecessary complications. Important characters such as Krishna, Arjuna, and Draupadi are presented in a way that helps readers understand their roles and moral values. Another good aspect of the book is the moral lessons it provides. Readers can learn about honesty, bravery, and the importance of standing for truth. The story also shows how pride and injustice can lead to destruction. Overall, this book is a very good introduction to the Mahabharata. It is suitable for students and anyone who wants to learn the epic in a short and simple form. Sudarshan Ray successfully makes an ancient story interesting and easy to understand.