Vikram Abhishek Mall

Mahabharata Unravelled - Lesser known facets of a well-known history, like the title says, the chapters are replete with a spectrum of lesser known facets of Mahabharata. Ami has diligently weaved each chapter to keep a sense of continuity and interest for the reader for a history, the ambit of which is very vast. The book starts by summarising the story line which to me is a bright technique, which allowed me to bring all my varied readings and memories to a starting point for the book to go where it wants to take you. Ami has passionately, like the various characters of Mahabharata who take vows and make them non-negotiable - come hell or high water, had probably taken a vow to write factually, separate myth from available Itihas and present it like a researcher would. This book is the result of that powerful 'pran' and 'sankalp'. An influential and potent narrative, authentically posited for conversations of discovery, and replete with awe on more pages than one can imagine. _________________________________________________________ Extra Notes about the book The book also highlights the acceptability of polygamy and polyandry and how even children born out of wedlock were accepted in the fabric of society was very refreshing and empowering to read. How love and attraction crossed various boundaries like in the case of Hidimba and Bheema or Shakuntala's Gandharva Vivah with Dushyant and many other interesting inter-connections of relationships. Though the book does not touch upon psychological facets, for the keen reader there are various offerings. Ambika and Ambalika's state of mind in the niyoga relationship with Vyas. The boundaries of each of the Pandavas in maintaining relationships with Draupadi and amongst themselves (Polyandry exists for various reasons in many parts of the hills in northern India and Nepal even today) and many more. Splendid work here, too. The highlight for me has been the sidebars. The ones that fascinated me for the information that was not known to me Page 31- 'The only warriors who did not participate in the Kurukshetra', Page 45- 'Different types of Marriages mentioned in Hindu Scriptures', Page 89- 'Myths about Draupadi', Page 167-'The defence of Dwarka', Page 266-'Shikhandini' (immensely intriguing and fascinating). The notes section is also extremely informative. Keep referring to the notes to make your reading experience of the narrative a lot richer than it would be without it. For eg, Chapter 22, Note 2, Anustabh meter of writing poetry. Read it. ;-) Sidebars that are as good as any contemporary psychological take on human behaviour Page 190- 'Story of Rishi and the Nuance of Dharma and Truth', Page 218 'Yaksha Prashna' (these 3 pages can sums up all the work a person can do with self), Page 273-'Discourse on the Deathbed', Page 281- 'Vidura Niti'.