An Epic of

Ancient Bharata
 INTRODUCTION
▪ The Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic, a
timeless and captivating tale that has been
cherished for generations.
▪ It's a colossal story, filled with exciting
adventures, complex characters, and valuable life
lessons. This epic takes us back to a time when
powerful kings ruled vast kingdoms in India.
▪ Even though it's a story from thousands of years
ago, its teachings on morality and ethics continue
to resonate with people today.
▪ It's not just a story; it's a source of wisdom and
inspiration, and its influence can be seen in
various forms of art and culture across the world.

This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-SA.

 ORIGIN
▪ The Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic, is like a really old and captivating story
that revolves around the Kuru family, a royal clan in a time of kings and queens in
India.
▪ However, it's a unique tale with a somewhat elusive beginning because it was
written over many centuries by different storytellers. This blending of history and
mythology makes it a rich and timeless narrative.
▪ Despite its uncertain origins, one thing is clear: it has been cherished for ages and
continues to inspire people today.
KEY CHARACTERS
▪ The Mahabharata features essential characters like the virtuous Pandavas and their
hundred antagonistic cousins, the Kauravas.
▪ Lord Krishna is a central figure, offering guidance and teaching important life
lessons in the Bhagavad Gita.
▪ Other key characters include Draupadi, known for her strength, and Bhishma, an
elder warrior.
▪ Each character adds depth to this ancient epic, making it a rich and complex
narrative.
 THE KURUKSHETRA WAR
▪ The Kurukshetra War is the central and epic battle in the
Mahabharata. It pitted the virtuous Pandavas against the
treacherous Kauravas, lasting 18 days on the battlefield of
Kurukshetra.
▪ The conflict involved massive armies, legendary heroes, and
divine weapons. Notable characters like Arjuna and Bhishma
played key roles.
▪ Lord Krishna's teachings in the Bhagavad Gita were also
imparted during this war.
▪ In the end, the Pandavas won, but it came at a great moral
and human cost, highlighting the complex themes of duty
and righteousness in the epic.

This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND.

THE BHAGAVAD GITA
▪ The Bhagavad Gita is a crucial conversation in the Mahabharata, where Prince
Arjuna seeks guidance from Lord Krishna on the battlefield.
▪ Arjuna is confused about his duty in a big war. Krishna imparts wisdom about
doing what's right, being brave, and finding inner peace.
▪ He teaches that life is a journey and provides profound lessons on ethics and
purpose. The Bhagavad Gita is a timeless guide for living a meaningful life.
KURUKSHETRA WAR-PRELUDE
▪ The Kurukshetra War in the Mahabharata is a colossal battle between the virtuous
Pandavas and the scheming Kauravas.
▪ Fought on the sacred plains of Kurukshetra, it lasted 18 days, involving epic battles
and famous characters.
▪ The Pandavas won, but it came at a great cost, highlighting the consequences of
conflict and the importance of doing what's right.
▪ This war is a central theme in the Mahabharata, symbolizing the clash between
righteousness and ambition.
THE BATTLE BEGINS
▪ The battle of Kurukshetra is the central event in the Mahabharata, where the
Pandavas (good guys) fought against the Kauravas (not-so-good guys).
▪ It was a massive and intense 18-day war on the Kurukshetra battlefield, featuring
legendary warriors and powerful weapons.
▪ While both sides displayed great courage, the Pandavas emerged victorious, but
the victory came at a heavy cost with many lives lost.
▪ This battle teaches us about the consequences of war and the importance of
choosing the right path in life.
THE 18 DAYS
▪ Day 1: The battle begins with the conch shells being blown, signaling the start of the
great war. Arjuna, the Pandava prince and leader of their army, is hesitant to fight
against his own kin. Lord Krishna serves as his charioteer and spiritual guide, advising
him to fulfill his duty. The Kauravas make initial advances.

▪ Day 2-5: Fierce clashes occur as the Kauravas and Pandavas deploy their troops and
powerful warriors. Bhishma, the Kaurava commander, shows his prowess and devastates
the Pandava army. Arjuna, on Krishna's advice, shoots arrows to cut Bhishma's bow, but
he refuses to kill him, respecting his elder's request not to fight at full strength.

▪ Day 6-9: Bhishma falls, unable to be defeated in battle but choosing to leave the mortal
world by his own will. Dronacharya, the Kaurava guru, takes command. The Pandavas
and Kauravas suffer heavy losses. Arjuna's son Abhimanyu enters the battle and
valiantly fights but is trapped and killed unfairly.
▪ Day 10-13: Dronacharya is eventually killed when the Pandavas use a deceptive
strategy. Karna, a key Kaurava warrior, becomes the commander-in-chief but faces
challenges from the Pandavas, particularly Arjuna. Karna's powerful weapons and
valor make him a formidable foe, but he is unable to defeat Arjuna.

▪ Day 14-16: Karna's death marks a turning point. Duryodhana, the Kaurava leader, is
now the commander, and the war intensifies. Lord Krishna intervenes to broker
peace, but Duryodhana remains obstinate. Several notable duels take place during
these days, including Bhima's duel with Duryodhana and Yudhishthira's duel with
Drona's son Ashwatthama.

▪ Day 17: The Kaurava army is almost entirely wiped out. Duryodhana refuses to
surrender and hides in a lake. He is discovered by the Pandavas, leading to a fierce
mace battle between Duryodhana and Bhima. Duryodhana's thighs are crushed, but
he refuses to give up.
▪ Day 18: On the final day, Duryodhana succumbs to his injuries. With his death, the
Kaurava forces are defeated. The Pandavas emerge victorious but at a great cost of
lives, including many respected warriors and family members. The epic concludes
with the Pandavas ruling the kingdom, having achieved their rightful place after
years of struggle.

▪ The Mahabharata's 18-day battle is not just a physical war but also a moral and
ethical conflict, symbolizing the eternal struggle between righteousness (dharma)
and unrighteousness (adharma). It is a timeless tale that imparts profound lessons
on duty, morality, and the consequences of one's actions.
CONCLUSION OF THE WAR
▪ The conclusion of the Kurukshetra War in the Mahabharata saw the Pandavas
emerge as victors, reclaiming their kingdom and restoring peace.
▪ However, victory came at a heavy cost, with many lives lost on both sides. The
aftermath was marked by grief and moral reflection, highlighting the profound
consequences of conflict and the complexities of life's choices.
LESSONS FROM MAHABHARATA
▪ The Mahabharata imparts valuable life lessons, including the importance of
righteousness (dharma), the consequences of actions, family bonds, wisdom,
resilience, humility, forgiveness, detachment from outcomes, and the complexity of
human nature.
▪ It also explores deep philosophical and spiritual questions, guiding individuals in
their quest for truth and meaning in life.
REFERENCES
▪सम्पर्
ू ण महाभारत हहिंदी {महाग्रिंथ}
 HARSHIT PAREEK
BTECH CSE
GUIDELINES: SEC C1
SEEMA MA’AM 23BCON0296