Question

“Historians have studied many rules and varied practices of familial ties during the Mahabharata period.” Explain the statement with examples. 
 

Hint:

In understanding familial ties in the Mahabharata, focus on how duty (*Dharma*) influences relationships and how characters like Yudhishthira, Draupadi, and Kunti reflect the social values of their time.

Answer 1

Historians have studied the rules and practices of familial ties during the Mahabharata period by analyzing the relationships and social norms depicted in the epic. The Mahabharata offers a rich portrayal of family structures, hierarchies, and duties that reflect ancient Indian society. One of the key aspects is the concept of Dharma or duty, which governed the relationships within families. The epic portrays the duties of sons towards their fathers, as seen in the case of Yudhishthira, who upholds his father’s honor even in the face of great hardship. Similarly, the relationship between brothers, such as the bond between the Pandavas, is marked by both conflict and cooperation, underscoring the complexities of familial ties.
The Mahabharata also explores the roles of women in the family, with characters like Draupadi and Kunti playing pivotal roles in shaping the family dynamics. Draupadi, as a central character, challenges the traditional notions of a wife’s duty to her husband by questioning the norms of marriage and fidelity, especially in the context of the Vastra Haran incident. Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas, embodies the complexities of motherhood and sacrifice, reflecting the duties of a mother in maintaining family honor.
Thus, historians analyze the Mahabharata as a text that not only provides a historical narrative but also offers insights into the evolving rules and practices regarding familial relationships in ancient India.