Question

“There are various elements on which historians have analysed Mahabharata and called it a dynamic text.” Explain the statement with examples.

Hint:

The Mahabharata’s diverse themes and layers make it a versatile text that can be analyzed from historical, literary, and philosophical perspectives.

Answer 1

Historians analyze the Mahabharata as a dynamic text due to its rich layers of storytelling, symbolism, and multiple interpretations. The text combines mythology, philosophy, politics, and ethics, reflecting changing social norms and ideologies over time. For instance, the Bhagavad Gita, a part of the Mahabharata, is analyzed as a philosophical dialogue on duty, righteousness, and the individual’s role in society. This adaptability to diverse interpretations makes the Mahabharata a dynamic text.