Best Books On Mahabharata Characters
Mahabharata – the epic saga that has intrigued readers for centuries. It's a story that's open to multiple interpretations and each character has their own perspective to share. It's a reminder that every person we encounter has their own unique journey to witness. We need to put our trust in the universe and trust in Krishna.
If you're seeking a deeper understanding of the characters and their stories, there's no shortage of captivating books to choose from. I've read many books on Mahabharata, from the unheard stories to individual character perspectives. They have all offered newer perspectives and interpretations. In this blog, I'm sharing a list of remarkable books that will offer you an insight into what characters went through and their struggles. These books are sure to enrich your journey through the Mahabharata.
The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Divakaruni
Taking us back to a time that is half history, half myth and wholly magical, bestselling author Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni gives voice to Panchaali, the fire-born heroine of the Mahabharata, as she weaves a vibrant retelling of an ancient epic saga.
Married to five royal husbands who have been cheated out of their father's kingdom, Panchaali aids their quest to reclaim their birthright, remaining at their side through years of exile and a terrible civil war. But she cannot deny her complicated friendship with the enigmatic Krishna—or her secret attraction to the mysterious man who is her husbands' most dangerous enemy — as she is caught up in the ever-manipulating hands of fate.
Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata by Devdutt Pattanaik
Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling Of The Mahabharata has the whole epic, which was originally known as Jaya, condensed into a tiny capsule in this book. Other than retelling the interesting parts of the Mahabharata, what makes this book a favourite among the readers is Pattanaik rendering of the various local folklores and tales that are associated with the epic, which have been presented in a whole new genre. With a master stroke, the author has elaborated the storyline by including lesser known folklore stories of the epic, while keeping intact its original form and style.
"Arjuna: Saga of a Pandava Warrior-Prince" by Anuja Chandramouli
Arjuna is the immortal tale of one of India's greatest heroes. These pages retell in riveting detail the story of the Pandava Warrior-Prince who has captured the imagination of millions across centuries. This is the intense and human story of his loves, friendship, ambitions, weaknesses and follies, as well as his untimely death and revival, his stint as a eunuch, and the innermost reaches of his thoughts.Told in a refreshingly modern and humourous style and set against the staggering backdrop of the Mahabharata. Arjuna's story appeals equally to the average, discerning reader and the scholar. It spans the epic journey from before his birth, when omens foretold his greatness, across the fabled, wondrous landscape that was his life.
"The Pregnant King" by Devdutt Pattanaik
The book is a thought-provoking and captivating novel that challenges traditional gender roles and explores the complexities of identity and self-discovery. Set in ancient India, the book tells the tale of Yuvanashva, a king who unexpectedly becomes pregnant. Blending mythology, history, and fiction, Pattanaik delves into themes of power, desire, and the fluidity of gender, inviting readers to question societal norms and reflect on the nature of personal freedom and authenticity. With his signature storytelling style, Pattanaik skillfully intertwines ancient legends with contemporary perspectives, creating a thought-provoking narrative that transcends time and sparks meaningful conversations about identity and acceptance.
Karna: The Great Warrior by Ranjit Desai
The book is a captivating historical novel that brings to life the legendary character of Karna from the epic Mahabharata. Set against the backdrop of ancient India, this book beautifully explores the complexities of Karna's life, tracing his journey from birth to his tragic destiny on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
Desai's masterful storytelling immerses readers in the world of Karna, portraying his struggles as an abandoned child, his unwavering loyalty, and his relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity. The book delves deep into Karna's complex relationships with his adoptive family, including his mother Kunti, his bond with his lifelong friend Duryodhana, and his interactions with other key characters of the Mahabharata.
Arjuna the Greatest Lover by Saurish Hegde
Arjuna is remembered as a great warrior and an archer extraordinaire, but did you know that he was also
the greatest lover to have ever lived? Arjuna won Draupadi at her swayamvar as his wife, but were you aware that he had three other wives as well? Abhimanyu was Arjuna’s son. But Arjuna had four other sons, one of whom became his arch enemy.
On the way he meets Ulupi, the Naga princess; Chitrangadha, the warrior queen; Lord Krishna’s sister, Subadhra; and the celestial nymph and dancer, Urvashi. These women, who loved Arjuna deeply, tell the tale of his adventures in love and life in Arjuna the Greatest Lover.
Duryodhana’s Queen by Priyanka Bhuyan
A journey of a Kuru Queen who was forever hidden in the pages of history. Know the love story of Duryodhana and Bhanumati. Did Duryodhana deliberately went ahead with the Kurukshetra war? Was he aware of the outcome of the war and if yes why did he went ahead? What happened to the woman of the Kauravas after the great war? This is the story of a Queen who was born to compete with Draupadi only to go down in ashes in the end.
In conclusion, these ten books provide a captivating exploration of the characters from the Mahabharata, shedding light on their complexities, motivations, and moral dilemmas. Whether you are seeking feminist perspectives, psychological analyses, or a comprehensive retelling, these books offer something for everyone interested in the mesmerizing world of the Mahabharata.
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