The Myth of Hastinapur

The Myth of Hastinapur

Author's Note

All histories have alternatives. Once the present absorbs a significant event, it is penned down by the ones who survive it. But with time, alternative theories appear, debating and discussing what would have hap pe ned in a new light.
Mahabharata, an ancient tale, has survived epochs and fascinated generations. It is a tale of powerful men and women and how they fared against each other. Few heroes who faltered at critical junctures while there are villains who stood firm against the test of their characters. There are queens who knowingly or unknowingly manipulated their near ones; and kith and kin who betrayed their blood when needed the most. There are soldiers and handmaidens too whose perspectives got lost in this clash of the champions. There is fury, courage, strength, love, penance, Dharma, sacrifice, deceit and malice. Mahabharata has everything which is representative of all ages.
This book tries to find reasons behind facts. It challenges the status quo and brings the other heroes to fore who got sidelined in the aftermath. This book questions accepted beliefs and bring untold stories of famous ones as well as insignificant soldiers and handmaidens. Why Shalya, uncle of Nakul and Sahadeva, fought from the side of the Kauravas? Why was Bar ba rik, the most magnificent warrior of all times, sacrificed? How much of the ut te ran ce of Gee ta was influenced by Krishna’s experiences? Why were the Kauravas, who boasted of Rudravatar Ashwatthama defeated by the Pandavas who had an unarmed Vishnuavatar Krishna on their side? What did the foot soldiers feel about the war?
This book is a tribute to Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa, the original one. This is just an interpretation of what he had created. This is just a footnote in the rich history of our civilization which is full of stories that continue to cast magic upon us.
This is Mahabharata.