Thursday, October 5, 2017

Reading Notes: Narayan's Mahabharata Part D

Title: The Mahabharata: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic Part D
Author: R. K. Narayan
Year: 1978


- Yudhistira makes every attempt to avoid war. All of the Pandavas agree, except Sahadeva, who can't forget what happened to Draupadi. Draupadi insists in war, even if it is here sons that have to fight. This could probably all be avoided if Duryodhana would just apologize.

- Gandhari chastises Duryodhana for his actions, but he just ignores her and the king and walks out. If he were to be detained and exiled, the kingdom would not be destroyed.

- Krishna and Kunthi try to persuade Kama to leave Duryodhana's side, but his loyalty will not allow it. He does vow to only fight Arjuna. A story could be told about that battle, the reason for the battle, or the opposite of what happens can be told. 

- Arjuna sees his family on the battlefield and does not want to fight. Krishna takes the form of a god and grants Arjuna a vision, helping him understand why he has to fight. A story could be told about the vision, Arjuna could still choose not to fight, leading to either consequences from Krishna, or preventing the war all together. Krishna could also expose his god form to Duryodhana, getting him to change his mind, or ignore him like he has everyone else. 

- The battle went back and forth for 18 days, with both sides gaining and losing an advantage. I think the Pandavas could easily defeat Duryodhana instead of fighting for so long, causing many innocent deaths. After Duryodhana is slain, the rest of the Kauravas could come to their sense, give the Pandavas what they are owed, and stop the fighting.

- Nakula is hardly mentioned in the battle, if at all. A story could be written where he plays a larger role. 

Duryodhana and Bhima
Image Author: Ramanarayanadatta astri
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons


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