Yuganta

Yuganta

  - Iravati Karwe

Yuganta is not an interpretation or a retelling of Mahabharata – it is more of a critical analysis. It makes a systematic and scientific study of the earliest version of the epic available today, and the knowledge of the cultural history, and attempts to isolate the facts (as presented in the original version of the book) from the interpolations added later through the centuries. Through these facts she proposes Mahabharata as a creditable history of events that took place almost 3000 years ago - a story of mortals devoid of any magical or divine influences.

The book includes nine thought provoking essays, each of these a study of one (or more) of the key characters of the epic. The basic story is outlined to provide the context; the author then proceeds to make a rational analysis of the facts to examine their actions and understand their motives. She logically separates the myth, and challenges the mind to question what is familiar (because these myths are so deeply entrenched into the lore that they are inherently accepted?). Her query is critical but balanced, appreciating their positive qualities and identifying their faults without restraint. She presents several points that make one pause and think and wonder about things that we have always accepted – for me, it certainly prompted several new thoughts and questions.

The first, and my most favorite essay, is about Bhishma. The author raises several questions on the (widely accepted) facts about his life and actions, his purpose and destiny, and the appropriateness as well as effectiveness of his actions. For example, how many of us have ever wondered how, from his escalated position, Bhishma wronged several of the women characters - from Amba, Ambika and Ambalika, to Gandhari, Kunti and Madri, and Draupadi? One of the most poignant thought here was if we are justified in doing (selflessly) for others, something which would be criticized if we did it for ourselves?

I liked most of the other studies too, especially the one about Kunti, Draupadi, Karna and Krishna

I have never read much about Gandhari. The author clarifies that there is not much information about her in the epic, and reconstructs one chapter about her from the little information that we can get. However, most of it is speculative fiction, and though I would have been curious to know more about her, this was somehow my least favorite chapter in the book

She also makes a wonderful commentary about the social structure prevalent at the time - the class system and struggles, the societal norms with respect to peers and families, and the cultural habits. She has put forward facts and her theory of how the Indian society has evolved in these millennia. Also interesting to see is how the epic Mahabharata itself has evolved from the original book called Jaya

I would mark this as a must-read for all Mahabharata aficionados, as well for people interested in Indian history and culture.