4212 - Mahabharata
Author: C. Rajagopalachari
Description: C. Rajagopalachari’s Mahabharata is a masterfully condensed English retelling of the monumental Indian epic. Drawing from the original Sanskrit text, Rajaji brings clarity, emotion, and moral insight to the sprawling tale of the Kurukshetra war, the Kaurava-Pandava rivalry, the exile of the Pandavas, the roles of Krishna and Dharma, and the ethical dilemmas faced by kings, sages, and warriors. Balancing narrative pace with spiritual depth, the book captures the essence of one of the greatest epics of all time, making it approachable without losing its epic gravitas. ⸻ Keywords: Mahabharata, Indian epic, dharma, Pandavas, Kauravas, Kurukshetra, Krishna, C. Rajagopalachari, Hindu philosophy ⸻ Ideal for: General readers, students, and anyone seeking an accessible and engaging introduction to the Mahabharata without prior knowledge of Sanskrit or Indian mythology. ⸻ Age: 12 years and up (best appreciated by teens and adults for its moral complexity and layered narrative) ⸻ Theme: Righteousness versus ambition, fate and free will, family loyalty, justice, war ethics, spiritual evolution ⸻ Tone: Clear, reverent, insightful, accessible, and morally instructive ⸻ Book Type: Retelling of an epic; mythological narrative; spiritual and philosophical literature ⸻ Length: Approximately 550–600 pages.