Bloomsbury Mahabharata Unravelled

In "Mahabharata Unravelled," Ami Ganatra offers a refreshing and insightful perspective on one of the world's greatest epics, the Mahabharata. With meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the text, Ganatra navigates the complex narrative of the Mahabharata, unraveling its layers of meaning and shedding light on its timeless wisdom.One of the book's most compelling aspects is Ganatra's ability to make the epic accessible to modern readers while maintaining its profound depth. Through clear and engaging prose, she guides readers through the labyrinthine plot, introducing them to the epic's myriad characters, conflicts, and moral dilemmas. Whether one is familiar with the Mahabharata or approaching it for the first time, Ganatra's lucid explanations and insightful analysis make the text come alive in a new and vibrant way.Moreover, "Mahabharata Unravelled" goes beyond mere retelling, offering fresh interpretations and perspectives on key themes and characters. Ganatra delves into the psychological motivations of characters, exploring their virtues, flaws, and inner conflicts with nuance and empathy. By humanizing these legendary figures, she invites readers to reflect on the universal truths and moral complexities embedded within the epic.Ganatra's scholarship is evident throughout the book, drawing on a wide range of sources from ancient texts to modern interpretations. She seamlessly weaves together historical context and philosophical insights, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the Mahabharata's cultural significance and enduring relevance.Furthermore, "Mahabharata Unravelled" is not merely an academic exercise but also a guide for personal reflection and growth. Ganatra invites readers to contemplate the timeless lessons embedded within the epic, encouraging them to apply its teachings to their own lives and ethical dilemmas.In conclusion, "Mahabharata Unravelled" is a captivating and illuminating exploration of one of the world's greatest literary treasures. With its accessible prose, insightful analysis, and profound wisdom, Ami Ganatra's book is sure to resonate with readers of all backgrounds and inspire a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of the Mahabharata.

Mahabharata Unravelled - Lesser known facets of a well-known history, like the title says, the chapters are replete with a spectrum of lesser known facets of Mahabharata.Ami has diligently weaved each chapter to keep a sense of continuity and interest for the reader for a history, the ambit of which is very vast.The book starts by summarising the story line which to me is a bright technique, which allowed me to bring all my varied readings and memories to a starting point for the book to go where it wants to take you.Ami has passionately, like the various characters of Mahabharata who take vows and make them non-negotiable - come hell or high water, had probably taken a vow to write factually, separate myth from available Itihas and present it like a researcher would. This book is the result of that powerful 'pran' and 'sankalp'.An influential and potent narrative, authentically posited for conversations of discovery, and replete with awe on more pages than one can imagine._________________________________________________________Extra Notes about the bookThe book also highlights the acceptability of polygamy and polyandry and how even children born out of wedlock were accepted in the fabric of society was very refreshing and empowering to read. How love and attraction crossed various boundaries like in the case of Hidimba and Bheema or Shakuntala's Gandharva Vivah with Dushyanta and many other interesting inter-connections of relationships.Though the book does not touch upon psychological facets, for the keen reader there are various offerings. Ambika and Ambalika's state of mind in the niyoga relationship with Vyas. The boundaries of each of the Pandavas in maintaining relationships with Draupadi and amongst themselves (Polyandry exists for various reasons in many parts of the hills in northern India and Nepal even today) and many more. Splendid work here, too.The highlight for me has been the sidebars. The ones that fascinated me for the information that was not known to me Page 31- 'The only warriors who did not participate in the Kurukshetra', Page 45- 'Different types of Marriages mentioned in Hindu Scriptures', Page 89- 'Myths about Draupadi', Page 167-'The defence of Dwarka', Page 266-'Shikhandini' (immensely intriguing and fascinating).The notes section is also extremely informative. Keep referring to the notes to make your reading experience of the narrative a lot richer than it would be without it. For eg, Chapter 22, Note 2, Anustabh meter of writing poetry. Read it. ;-)Sidebars that are as good as any contemporary psychological take on human behaviour Page 190- 'Story of Rishi and the Nuance of Dharma and Truth', Page 218 'Yaksha Prashna' (these 3 pages can sums up all the work a person can do with self), Page 273-'Discourse on the Deathbed', Page 281- 'Vidura Niti'.

I am really excited to read this book. However the condition in which it arrived is bad.

Very well written and researched book .Had lot fun reading it. Most of the incidents of Mahabharata is reapatedly talked about but it is only to show each characters point of view regarding same incident. If you love Mahabharata please go for it. Ami Ganatra had done a great job compling it.

Very informative