Mahabharata [Paperback] [Jan 01, 2010] C.Rajagopalachari

I started reading this because of what I heard on "Ancient Aliens". This book does not have much to do with that subject. It is like the Iliad with great moral teachings which illustrate why we cannot view morality in black and white, right or wrong. It has stimulated my interest in Hindu teaching - My next read is the Bhagavad Gita. As a Buddhist, I have gained insight into the origins of our teachings. As a former Christian, I have gained a greater perspective of what Jesus taught.

This is the second time I am reading this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Such an interesting event in the history of the world! Rajaji is one of my favorite authors and love his writing style.

This book was laid out, edited, and proofed rather poorly--it is rife with typographical errors, and its glossary is rather hit-or-miss. In addition, Rajagopalachari's translation is stilted, full of phrases that were unidiomatic even when this volume was first released in the 1950's. With its repetitions, odd constructions, and the like, it reads almost as an initial draft. The translation is definitely not a great work of literature in its own right. However, the Mahabharata assuredly is; and Rajagopalachari's translation, though strange, does not dampen its impact as much as one might expect. He does manage to get across to the reader its essentials and, as others have said, its humor and poignancy. Be forewarned that the battle scenes at Kurukshetra do suffer somewhat. Though Rajagopalachari says he will not skip over the battle, long as it is, it seems he can't help himself; the fighting is described, but only factually, and in a very condensed style. That which must have taken hours on the battlefield is often compressed into a few sentences, and the narrative continuously jumps from scene to scene. In short, there is little sense of being present in the midst of the death and destruction. In addition, Rajagopalachari's editorializing is interesting but does make the chapters seem a bit like school lessons at times. This, however, should be no surprise, considering that this Mahabharata was the first publication of Bhavan's Book University. When all is said and done, this is not a perfect translation, but it is eminently serviceable and has a charm all its own. I might suggest picking up both this and another translation, as the Mahabharata is so rich and detailed (and long!) that what one version lacks another stands a good chance of having.

Gives a good gist of Mahabharat with all the main characters and events. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Mahabharata is of course a must read for every person. This is good version to start with before you plunge into "real" one like one by Gita Press with Sanskrit verses.

I do have other bridged/abridged versions but certainly enjoyed this at a high level if one does not wish to read the entire MahaBharata.

Right now, it seems to be holding my attention

This is a great translation and summary by the respected Rajaji, and an immense undertaking. However, if you are looking for the vimanas, detailed weaponed of astras and other amazing feats that beyond human capabilites, you may want to look else where or get the actual complete renditionnof the mhabarata. Great read none the less!

Great abridged translation. Well written, easy read. Loved it