Dwapar Katha: The Stories of the Mahabharata - by Sudipta Bhawmik (Paperback)
About this item
Highlights
- The Mahabharata, one of India's most cherished epics, has fascinated generations.
- Author(s): Sudipta Bhawmik
- 608 Pages
- Social Science, Folklore & Mythology
Description
About the Book
The Mahabharata, one of India's most cherished epics, has fascinated generations. The age-old saga of warring cousins-the valiant Pandavas and the formidable Kauravas-has left an indelible mark on our collective imagination. Yet, beneath the stories of valour and villainy lie complex human emotions that challenge our ideas about 'good' and 'evil'. Can the virtuous always conquer the malevolent? Are the Kauravas truly the embodiment of darkness, while the Pandavas exude righteousness? Does Dharma triumph in the end?
In Dwapar Katha: The Stories of the Mahabharata, Sudipta Bhawmik delves deep into the intricacies of human nature as he explores the psyches of an eclectic cast of characters, unearthing their motivations and desires. He immerses us in their ceaseless inner struggles on a battlefield more profound than Kurukshetra. Feel the seething anger of Bheem as he rages against the silent Yudhishtir during Draupadi's disrobing and grieve with Duroyadhan when he loses his dear friend Karna in the war. Explore the concepts of Dharma and Karma along with the Pandavas, as Sudipta unearths age-old tales of the Vana Parva, where rishis share life lessons with the exiled Pandavas.
Rooted in Sudipta's immensely popular podcast, which has recorded over 40 million downloads, Dwapar Katha is a delight to read. The captivating prose and stunning illustrations breathe new life into this timeless tale where darkness and light intertwine and heroes are often indistinguishable from villains. The Mahabharata has never been more enchanting, thought-provoking and alive.
Book Synopsis
The Mahabharata, one of India's most cherished epics, has fascinated generations. The age-old saga of warring cousins-the valiant Pandavas and the formidable Kauravas-has left an indelible mark on our collective imagination. Yet, beneath the stories of valour and villainy lie complex human emotions that challenge our ideas about 'good' and 'evil'. Can the virtuous always conquer the malevolent? Are the Kauravas truly the embodiment of darkness, while the Pandavas exude righteousness? Does Dharma triumph in the end?
In Dwapar Katha: The Stories of the Mahabharata, Sudipta Bhawmik delves deep into the intricacies of human nature as he explores the psyches of an eclectic cast of characters, unearthing their motivations and desires. He immerses us in their ceaseless inner struggles on a battlefield more profound than Kurukshetra. Feel the seething anger of Bheem as he rages against the silent Yudhishtir during Draupadi's disrobing and grieve with Duroyadhan when he loses his dear friend Karna in the war. Explore the concepts of Dharma and Karma along with the Pandavas, as Sudipta unearths age-old tales of the Vana Parva, where rishis share life lessons with the exiled Pandavas.
Rooted in Sudipta's immensely popular podcast, which has recorded over 40 million downloads, Dwapar Katha is a delight to read. The captivating prose and stunning illustrations breathe new life into this timeless tale where darkness and light intertwine and heroes are often indistinguishable from villains. The Mahabharata has never been more enchanting, thought-provoking and alive.
Review Quotes
'Sudipta Bhawmik breathes life into every character of the epic Mahabharata with deep insights into their mind. A must read.' Anand Neelakantan, bestselling author 'Sudipta Bhawmik is a master storyteller. Over the years, this account from Dvapara Yuga has been retold numerous times, as it deserves to be, in non-English languages too. (Like the author, I too grew up with Rajsekhar Basu's Bengali retelling.) For a new generation, it deserves to be retold again, from the beginning to the final journey. Based on the widely acclaimed podcast, the style of narration is engrossing. Few have the patience and perseverance to read the unabridged Mahabharata, which runs into some 2.5 million words. Any abridged retelling focuses on characters and incidents, leaving aside rich sections on geography and governance. With that lens, this is one of the best renditions in recent times.' Bibek Debroy, author and chairman, PM's Economic Council
'A grand story told without grandiosity. Epic Indian storytelling meets Aristotelian sequencing of events.' Mahesh Dattani, playwright and writer, Sahitya Akademi Award winner
