Folkloristics of Mahabharata

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About the Book The Mahabharata narrative Invariably leaves an Indelible impression and is deeply entrenched, in the psyche of the people, far and wide. The primarily oral narrative. appeals to the attentive audience. However, confronted with the narrowly unsettling current departure from the traditional, the Mahabharata, too, is often mistakenly viewed with traces of suspicion. The unfounded skepticism primarily emanates from treating the entire Mahabharata as purely mythical or exaggerated fiction woven around poetic fancy.

The book Folkloristic of Mahabharata attempts to consciously dissect or deconstruct the mythical to recapture the essence of the "historical elements", enshrined in the Mahabharata. It also emphasizes the importance of the dynamic oral traditions of the Kurukshetra (Dharmakshetra) region. The decisive 'war', spread over eighteen days, is consequently perceived in discursive spatiotemporal contexts. These exercises in the folkloristic provide the discerning reader with an open ended approach to the Mahabharata.

About the Author Vijneshu Mohan has had a brilliant academic career obtaining first position in M.A. from the Kurukshetra University. Subsequently. he studied at the Ohio University. USA, on a scholarship. Thereafter, he won the prestigious Cambridge Nehru Scholarship at the University of Cambridge, UK, for higher research in Archaeology.

He has, to his credit, several reseach publications in reputed journals and presentations in national/international conferences and seminars. He taught Archaeology at the Panjab University, Chandigarh.

He has authored two well-received thought-provoking books viz., (1) Archaeology: Status, Growth and Development (1998) and (2) Philosophical Archaeology (2000).

Preface The Fale Mahabharata deservedly enjoys the nor status of being reveres diverse sections of its admirers and discerning readers Almost all sectors of life are subconsciously enriched by the numerous revelations and strains of partite wisdom enshrined in the different textual versions of the Mahabharata The varies available tests represented, for example, by the now complete Poona (Pune) Cal Edition conceived by the Late VS Sukthankar, and slightly larger Southern Recession need not be deemed as purely mythical The Mahabharata is not reducible to petty conglomeration of scattered unimportant events. A strong cohesiveness logically underlies the enveloping Pete.

The Mahabharata irrevocably encompasses hues of historicity wrapped under supposedly unethical character. The popularly decipherable myths reinforce the pluralistically comprehensible grains of history incorporated in it. The filters of mythical constructs (mythical help dilute the rigid dichotomy between eternal truth Satya and judgmental objectivity (tatty), enabling insights into the nuances of contemporary human existence Their conscious critical appraisals infuse discursive properties, rejuvenating faith in traditional facts.

The Mahabharata represents "fact factum fusion. There exists a solid body of oral traditions supportive of celebrating Kurukshetra (Devadharth) as the famed battlefield (samarangana). The illuminative enumerations, embedded in the regional folklore resoundingly continue to favor the Kurukshetra region as the battlefield trapakshetra of the Bharata war. These living traditions find glorious references in the Puranas, especially, the Vamana.

Purana, as well. The trapezoidal 48 kos ranabhumi/tapaskhetra bounded by Yakshas/ Dvarapalas, in its four corners, interestingly, continues to revere the virtues of the battle primarily fought for the supremacy of righteousness. However, the Bharata Dharmayuddha is found tainted with traces of intrigue and (un)desirable strategies.

Obviously, visits to the related villages and towns of the region bring the deeply engrained celebrative ethos and associative velour, in the right perspective and context.

Often, the local ragas or the bardie singers beautifully capture the true essence in melodious tones.

For researching the present book, specific attempts are made to resolutely record. relevant statements from knowledgeable cross-sections of the natives, through personal visits to the villages and kasbas. A photographic record, too, is carefully maintained to illustrate all the important sites.

**Contents and Sample Pages**