Mahābhārata—The Story in Brief
I. The Mahābhārata—The Story in Brief The Mahābhārata is an ancient Sanskrit epic that narrates a dynastic conflict between two branches of the Kuru royal family—the Pāṇḍavas and the Kauravas —culminating in the devastating Kurukṣetra War . , The epic begins with the lineage of King Śantanu and the vow of lifelong celibacy taken by Bhīṣma , which shapes the future of the dynasty. Due to complex circumstances surrounding succession, the throne passes to Pāṇḍu , while his blind elder brother Dhṛtarāṣṭra rules as regent. Pāṇḍu’s five sons—the Pāṇḍavas—are born through divine boons, while Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s hundred sons, the Kauravas, are led by Duryodhana . From childhood, rivalry and resentment grow between the cousins. Through deceit, the Kauravas attempt to kill the Pāṇḍavas in the House of Lac , but the brothers escape and later win Draupadī as their shared wife. The kingdom is divided, and the Pāṇḍavas establish Indraprastha , which flourishes. Jealousy ...