The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, the other being the Ramayana. It is an epic narrative of the Kurukshetra War and the fates of the Kaurava and Pandava princes, who are cousins vying for control of the throne of Hastinapura.
Key Themes and Overview:
The War: The Mahabharata centers around a great war between two families: the Pandavas and the Kauravas. The conflict arises from a succession dispute over the throne of Hastinapura, with the Kauravas (led by Duryodhana) claiming the throne and the Pandavas (led by Yudhishthira) seeking their rightful inheritance.
The Characters: The epic features many iconic characters, including:
Pandavas: The five brothers (Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva), who are the sons of King Pandu.
Kauravas: The 100 sons of Dhritarashtra, the blind king of Hastinapura, led by Duryodhana.
The Outcome: The war lasts for 18 days and results in massive destruction, with the Pandavas ultimately emerging victorious.