Question

Describe the processes adopted by V.S. Sukthankar and his team in preparing the critical edition of the Mahabharata.

Hint:

Sukthankar’s critical edition of the \textit{Mahabharata} was a pioneering effort in textual criticism in India, using methods similar to those employed in the West for editing classical texts.

Answer 1

V.S. Sukthankar and his team adopted a systematic and thorough approach in preparing the critical edition of the Mahabharata, aiming to reconstruct the most authentic version of the epic. The processes involved are as follows:
1. Collection of Manuscripts:
Sukthankar and his team collected a wide variety of manuscripts of the Mahabharata from different regions and in different languages. These manuscripts were sourced from various libraries and institutions, representing different traditions, versions, and regional scripts. This collection ensured the diversity of the available text versions.
2. Comparative Study of Manuscripts:
The next step involved comparing the different manuscripts to identify and analyze variations in the text. The team focused on comparing various readings of verses, chapters, and even individual words across different manuscripts. This comparison helped in understanding how the text had evolved over time.
3. Establishing the Critical Text:
Based on the comparative study, the team identified the most authentic text by eliminating interpolations, later additions, and regional variations. They then selected the readings they believed represented the core, original version of the Mahabharata. The goal was to establish a critical text free from corruption.
4. Incorporation of Commentaries:
The team also consulted and included ancient and medieval commentaries on the Mahabharata. These commentaries were used to gain deeper insights into the interpretation and historical context of specific verses. They helped clarify difficult passages and provided explanations for ambiguous verses.
5. Documentation and Annotation:
A critical edition is not just the text; it includes extensive annotations and footnotes. Sukthankar’s team documented every variation in the manuscripts, provided explanations for their editorial choices, and clarified how the variations in the texts were handled. These annotations made the edition a comprehensive scholarly resource.
6. Publication:
After years of meticulous research and compilation, the team published the critical edition of the Mahabharata in multiple volumes. The critical edition became a standard reference for scholars worldwide and remains an authoritative text for the study of the epic.