Mahabharata: The Great Indian Epic by Sudarshan Ray - English | Paperback | Book on Ancient Indian Stories about Pandavas and Kauravas | Kurukshetra War | Greatest Epic of India

Mahabharata, a tale of great influence, a tale so timeless that it never gets old enough to not choose. “Mahabharata- the great Indian epic” by Sudarshan Ray is a concise and comprehensive take on the timeless story of Mahabharata. Ray divided the book into six parts from The Beginning to The Aftermath each divided into sub titles with amazing take on Karma (the consequences to your actions), Dharma (righteousness) and Relationships between families. The book takes you on an amazing journey of the war in Kurukshetra between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. The book depicts how both of them have their own strengths and weaknesses. For me who have never read or watched Mahabharata this book is a gem. Easy to follow with great characters building this book is like a sweet treat to heart. Even the war scenes seem to play in front of your eyes. What I liked most is the thesaurus given on each page to help understand each line better. The ending just stole my heart. Now I actually understood who belongs to which family. Loved the description of friendships between Krishna and Arjuna, Karna and Duryodhana! What adds to the beauty of the retelling is the glossary at the end. Even though you miss out on some character (which is actually not possible), you get to know them at the end as well. I really loved the character of Yudhisthir and the lessons learned and taught by him. Great work by the author! A must read!

This felt like a heartfelt recap to Mahabharata. As a child I grew up listening to these stories from my grandfather. His stories, filled with wisdom and reverence, used to bring these epics to life, teaching me morals, values, and the greatness of each character. Reading this now was like revisiting those cherished memories. The story was precise and concise and beautifully structured. If you are reading this for the first time, getting to know Mahabharata in full length, then this book is for you. You will understand the entire history and the complete happening of the epic. The writing is simple and the story was neatly explained. The brief history of the kingdom and the history of every person involved with their back stories were also helpful as it help readers understand the motivations and complexities of each character. The flow of the story was great and the pacing was perfect. Best part of the book, it comes with flow charts and explaining Sanskrit terms which again would be perfect for the first timers. I’m genuinely glad I picked this up. It wasn’t just a read it was a journey through time, memory, and meaning. For anyone seeking a clear, emotionally resonant introduction to the Mahabharata, this book is a gem.

From the very beginning, the stories managed to captivate me and made me want to read more and more. Each and every stories are thoughtfully written and felt as if I am reading it for the first time! The descriptions are vivid and detailed which transported me to the time. Since it’s an epic with themes of love, revenge and redemption, with each and every story I read, I felt more and more invested. The politics and the war scenes are beautifully portrayed. The character map will also help the readers like me to understand the family dynamics in the book. Mahabharata is one of the greatest epic of Indian history and the author has beautifully portrayed it in this retelling. It’s descriptive, interesting, vivid and intriguing as well. The language is simple yet intricate enough to capture the reader’s attention. Despite how many times I have read it, I can definitely read it again and again. I enjoyed reading the scenes and felt like reliving it. I will be recommending this to anyone and everyone who is interested in reading the epic or someone who wants to gain more knowledge on this.

Mahabharata – The Great Indian Epic by Sudarshan Ray is a beautifully concise retelling of one of India’s greatest stories. The book is easy to follow, with well-structured chapters, clear family trees, and a helpful glossary. What I loved most is that it doesn’t glorify the heroes but presents every character as deeply human—with flaws, emotions, and struggles. The friendships, moral choices, and lessons on karma and dharma make this version both thoughtful and relatable. A balanced and honest retelling that makes the Mahabharata feel more real than ever.

In "Mahabharata: The Great Indian Epic," author Sudarshan Ray delivers a captivating retelling of one of the most revered texts in Indian literature. The book is elegantly structured into six distinct parts: The Beginning, The Court, The Exile, The War Councils, The War, and The Aftermath, allowing for a clear and engaging progression through the epic saga. The narrative kicks off with the marriage of King Santanu of Hastinapur to the river goddess Ganga, setting the stage for the birth of their eighth son, Devabrata, famously known as Bhisma, a character shrouded in loyalty and sacrifice. Sudarshan Ray skillfully elaborates on the birth and upbringing of both the Kauravas and the Pandavas, offering rich, nuanced characterizations that breathe life into these legendary figures. One of the pivotal moments in the saga is the infamous game of dice, where Krishna’s intervention saves Draupadi, leading to the Pandavas' exile. The intricacies of the Kurukshetra War, lasting 18 days, are elaborated with thrilling detail, showcasing the epic's timeless themes of dharma and karma. Sudarshan Ray’s rich prose and keen insights make the Mahabharata accessible and resonant for contemporary readers, ensuring its timeless relevance. Ultimately, "Mahabharata: The Great Indian Epic" is a remarkable retelling that resonates deeply, making it an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the human experience through the lens of ancient wisdom.

If you have also found Mahabharata difficult to finish watching or reading till date, you may find this book easily digestible. The language is simple and the book also has meanings of the Sanskrit terminologies to help the reader understand it better. The well-structured chapters in 6 parts, made it easier to divide, read and understand the complex storyline. The friendship (between Krishna and Arjuna, and Karna and Duryodhan) are portrayed in a deeply emotional and relatable way. The Kurukshetra war scenes were accurately described, and other themes like karma, dharma, love, loyalty, loss, and revenge also came through strongly through the narrative. Would recommend this book to beginners (readers) seeking an accessible, modern retelling with a fresh perspective on the epic and for those who may be interested in the philosophical lessons of the Mahabharata Would not recommend this book if You expect a strictly neutral narrative tone, prefer a traditional, scripture-faithful version or are sensitive to reinterpretations of religious texts or historical epics.

I thoroughly enjoyed "Mahabharata: The Great Indian Epic" by Sudarshan Ray. As someone familiar with the epic, I appreciated Ray's retelling, which brought back nostalgic memories. The book is perfect for newcomers to the Mahabharata, with a steady pace that masterfully weaves together the complex characters and storylines. The inclusion of a Kuru family tree at the beginning is a thoughtful touch, helping readers navigate the numerous characters. The characters are well-described, and the war scenes are particularly engaging, with each day's events detailed vividly. Ray's writing is easy to follow, making the epic accessible to a wide range of readers. The language is simple, and the medium pace keeps the story flowing. This book is an excellent introduction to the Mahabharata, connecting ancient mythology to modern times. Ray's retelling is engaging, and his narrative brings the characters to life. Overall, I found it to be a compelling read, perfect for those new to the epic or looking for a fresh perspective. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in mythology, ancient India, or epic tales.

Mahabharata: The Great Indian Epic by Sudarshan Ray is a concise and modern retelling of the timeless saga, crafted to be accessible for teenagers and young adults. Spanning around 500 pages, the book begins with King Shantanu and journeys through the epic’s major events, culminating in the aftermath of the Kurukshetra war. Divided into six parts, it offers not just a narrative of battles and politics, but also delves into the emotional and moral complexities that shaped the characters and their choices. Reading this felt like revisiting the Mahabharata with fresh eyes. The language is simple and fluid, making it easy to follow even for first-time readers. I appreciated the balance in portrayal - neither side is glorified or vilified. Both the Pandavas and Kauravas are portrayed as complex individuals - flawed, noble, and human. The writing is crisp, and the flow from one event to another is seamless. Short chapters, family trees, footnotes, and a glossary make the vast cast and intricate relationships easier to follow. The vivid descriptions bring the battlefield and its characters to life while preserving the essence of dharma, karma, love, jealousy, betrayal, and sacrifice. However, one aspect that didn’t sit well with me was the portrayal of women. At times, the descriptions felt unnecessarily sexualized and detracted from the dignity and strength traditionally associated with female characters in the Mahabharata. Additionally, while the book claims neutrality, there are subtle leanings that question the Pandavas’ righteousness, which may feel jarring to readers familiar with more reverent versions. The modern writing makes it easy to read, but using a more respectful tone could have better matched the seriousness and depth of the epic. This book serves as a great introduction for new readers of the Mahabharata. It’s engaging, readable, and informative. But for those seeking a deeper, more immersive experience of the epic’s grandeur and complexity, it may fall short. A good starting point - but not the final word.