Mahabharata: The Great Indian Epic

What an epic timeless story, with moral teachings that are so relevant to today. The author has done a brilliant job of bringing the story to the fore, and authoring in such a fashion that makes it eloquent yet accessible for the average person to read. I couldn't put the book down, finished it in 5 days. Now organising a trip to India to visit the sacred/historical sites of the Mahabharat.

Great version to read if you’re focused on the storyline. Some elements of the story that don’t contribute directly to the narrative might be missing, but the overall essence is still there.

Absolutely a brilliant educational read .

Astonishingly simple and faithful reading. It covers the basics in such easy detail that you can't go wrong reading it, without the usual (traditional) bells and whistles which cloud the story. Essential

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.

One of India's gifts to the world! The symbolic description of the conflicts, contradictions, choices we all face in life. B. S. Once you figure out who the players are and that's a challenge it is a fun read.

they should make a movie of this.

Mahabharata by Sudarshan Ray is a simplified retelling of the great Indian epic originally attributed to Vyasa. The book presents the complex story of the Mahabharata in an easy and engaging language so that young readers and beginners can understand it without difficulty. The story mainly revolves around the conflict between the two royal families: the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Through this conflict, the author explains important themes such as duty, justice, loyalty, and the consequences of greed and jealousy. The book describes famous events like the game of dice, the exile of the Pandavas, and the great battle of Kurukshetra. One of the strengths of Sudarshan Ray’s writing is its simplicity. The language is clear and straightforward, which makes the epic easier to follow. Even though the original Mahabharata is very long and complex, this version keeps the main events and characters while removing unnecessary complications. Important characters such as Krishna, Arjuna, and Draupadi are presented in a way that helps readers understand their roles and moral values. Another good aspect of the book is the moral lessons it provides. Readers can learn about honesty, bravery, and the importance of standing for truth. The story also shows how pride and injustice can lead to destruction. Overall, this book is a very good introduction to the Mahabharata. It is suitable for students and anyone who wants to learn the epic in a short and simple form. Sudarshan Ray successfully makes an ancient story interesting and easy to understand.

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!