A fantastic analysis of the Mahabharat from an academic view point relating it back to very real modern day life. Gurcharan Das, author of India Unbound, was the Head of Procter and Gamble India and one of their Global Directors, before taking early retirement to study ancient Hindu texts. This book was particularly interesting to me as it was based around a childhood epic of mine and many other Indians - the "Mahabharat", which occurred over 5000 years ago.
Gurcharan Das presents a highly researched re-enactment of the tale of these two historic parties. The book takes us through each of the key characters and the qualities associated with them, starting with Duryodhan and his 'envy'. The underlying question is as the book title suggests - this notion of 'Dharma' and how it is can be hard to pin-point what it is exactly. It was the 'evil' Kauravas that dishonoured Draupadi by bringing her into the courtyard during menstruation, the same people who organised the cheated game of dice to reduce Prince Yudhishtir to a meagre slave. And yet, it was with the help of God himself, as Lord Krishna, that the Pandava's beat all of the key Kaurava Leaders through deceit and misconduct on the battle field - in a place where they actually observe the rules of war with strict adherence.
What is right and what is wrong? What is acceptable in the name of Dharma? these questions are brought to vivid present day examples ranging from the demise of Satyam to brotherly envy between the Ambani's.
Purchase book (including more reviews) at Penguin Books India
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