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Mahabharata #7
The Mahabharata
The seventh volume continues with the account of the war with Karna who is instated as the commander of the Kourava army for two days. After his death, Shalya is the commander for one day. Shalya too dies. Duryodhana meets his death in the hands of Bhima and the great war comes to an end.
Every conceivable human emotion figures in the Mahabharata, the reason why the epic continues to hold sway over our imagination. In this lucid, nuanced and confident translation, Bibek Debroy makes the Mahabharata marvellously accessible to contemporary readers
Every conceivable human emotion figures in the Mahabharata, the reason why the epic continues to hold sway over our imagination. In this lucid, nuanced and confident translation, Bibek Debroy makes the Mahabharata marvellously accessible to contemporary readers
600 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 401
About the author
Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
327 books992 followersKrishna Dvaipāyana Vyāsa, also known as Vyāsa or Veda-Vyāsa (वेदव्यास, the one who classified the Vedas into four parts) is a central and revered figure in most Hindu traditions. He is traditonally regarded as the author of the Mahābhārata, although it is also widely held that he only composed the core of the epic, the Bhārata. A significant portion of the epic later was only added in later centuries, which then came to be known as the Mahābhārata. The date of composition of this epic is not known - It was definitvely part of the traditions in Indian subcontinent at the time Gautam Buddha (~500 BCE) which would suggest it having been already around for atleast a few centuries. It was chiefy put down in the written form only somewhere between 300 BCE to 300 CE.
As the name would suggest, Vyāsa is believed to have categorised the primordial single Veda into its four canonical collections. He is also considered to be the scribe of Purānās, ancient Hindu texts eulogizing various deities, primarily the divine Trimurti God in Hinduism through divine stories.
As the name would suggest, Vyāsa is believed to have categorised the primordial single Veda into its four canonical collections. He is also considered to be the scribe of Purānās, ancient Hindu texts eulogizing various deities, primarily the divine Trimurti God in Hinduism through divine stories.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 27, 2022
(Review for both part 6 and 7)
Undoubtedly the greatest story ever told. The war finally ends.
There's so much beauty of poetry laced throughout, the existential philosophy brimming as the war continues and the rawness of humanity intermingled with divinity and devilishness alike.
The remaining war, after the fall of Bhishma, is covered in these two books, and it gets extremely violent and graphic. It covers the fall of Abhimanyu, Jayadratha, Ghatotkacha, Drona, Karna, Shalya, Shakuni and finally Duryodhan.
There are no rules and regulations left to be followed, the war has to be won by hook or by crook. And the book beautifully deals with this moral crippling thus arisen. There is a constant disagreement among the Pandavas clan, the banter between Arjun and Yudhishtir being a special highlight. Even Duryodhan has this sudden realisation of the futility of war, perhaps a brief existential crisis, as he realises the tragedy so ensued.
Also, the war gets graphic, really graphic, and even that is consequently beautified by the language of the text. It is poetry after all, and a land full of dead men, horses and animals, is described in an extremely graphic way yet beautified with metaphors to enhance the prose, which also makes me regret for not being able to read it in its original text, Sanskrit. But Bibek Debroy has done a tremendous job in translating the text, for even in English one can relate the nuances of the same in Sanskrit.
Every character can be analysed and fleshed out, every character hides an innate blend of their inner demons and angels, which provides depth to the story and makes the tragic occurrence of the war even more tragic. As Duryodhan dies, he taunts Krishna on how he used unfair means to defeat his side and how he is going to heaven while the Pandavas along with Krishna has to deal with the consequences of the death of their family and friends; hence expressing the absurdism of the entire war.
Karna is undoubtedly the best anti-hero ever created, there is so much contradictions that surrounds him throughout, different characters have different opinions on him and he, himself, shows the traits of both a hero as well as a villain, which is why he remains the most complex character, following the lead of the mysterious divinity of Krishna.
Having known this story since childhood, still the amazing realisation hence created while reading the actual translated text, resonates throughout and creates a special significance to these already known characters and incidents, and also to the many unknown stories otherwise lost.
Mahabharat has always been an absurd text for me, and there have been endless discussions on the various aspects of the characters and the story, which in the end makes it the greatest story ever told.
Undoubtedly the greatest story ever told. The war finally ends.
There's so much beauty of poetry laced throughout, the existential philosophy brimming as the war continues and the rawness of humanity intermingled with divinity and devilishness alike.
The remaining war, after the fall of Bhishma, is covered in these two books, and it gets extremely violent and graphic. It covers the fall of Abhimanyu, Jayadratha, Ghatotkacha, Drona, Karna, Shalya, Shakuni and finally Duryodhan.
There are no rules and regulations left to be followed, the war has to be won by hook or by crook. And the book beautifully deals with this moral crippling thus arisen. There is a constant disagreement among the Pandavas clan, the banter between Arjun and Yudhishtir being a special highlight. Even Duryodhan has this sudden realisation of the futility of war, perhaps a brief existential crisis, as he realises the tragedy so ensued.
Also, the war gets graphic, really graphic, and even that is consequently beautified by the language of the text. It is poetry after all, and a land full of dead men, horses and animals, is described in an extremely graphic way yet beautified with metaphors to enhance the prose, which also makes me regret for not being able to read it in its original text, Sanskrit. But Bibek Debroy has done a tremendous job in translating the text, for even in English one can relate the nuances of the same in Sanskrit.
Every character can be analysed and fleshed out, every character hides an innate blend of their inner demons and angels, which provides depth to the story and makes the tragic occurrence of the war even more tragic. As Duryodhan dies, he taunts Krishna on how he used unfair means to defeat his side and how he is going to heaven while the Pandavas along with Krishna has to deal with the consequences of the death of their family and friends; hence expressing the absurdism of the entire war.
Karna is undoubtedly the best anti-hero ever created, there is so much contradictions that surrounds him throughout, different characters have different opinions on him and he, himself, shows the traits of both a hero as well as a villain, which is why he remains the most complex character, following the lead of the mysterious divinity of Krishna.
Having known this story since childhood, still the amazing realisation hence created while reading the actual translated text, resonates throughout and creates a special significance to these already known characters and incidents, and also to the many unknown stories otherwise lost.
Mahabharat has always been an absurd text for me, and there have been endless discussions on the various aspects of the characters and the story, which in the end makes it the greatest story ever told.
March 17, 2018
Amazing 😍😍 One of the best books in the series
March 10, 2018
One-line review: The war ends, but the carnage will take a night more to stop.
Short review: This seventh volume sees the war come to an end, with the fulfillment of vows, the killing of family, the drinking of blood, and the breaking of thighs. The Pandavas have won this terrible war, but the final price they would have paid for this victory will be known only in the eighth volume.
The volume ends with Bhima defeating and crushing Duryodhana's thighs (Gada Yuddha Parva). The war is over. The carnage will take one more night to die down. That will form the initial part of the eighth volume, due in November 2013.
The translator, Dr. Bibek Debroy, has soldiered on for more than three years now with this translation - two volumes coming out each year since 2010, and the end now appears in sight. While there are both free and contemporary unabridged translations available, what makes this stand out is the clear, modern-day English that doesn't resort to archaic usages like "thou" and "hast", the fidelity to the Critical Edition, the almost encyclopedic knowledge of Dr Debroy that is put to use to clarify and provide insights into terms and phrases, and at times even correct the Critical Edition, make this my recommendation for those looking for an English translation of the unabridged Mahabharata to dig their teeth into.
Note: This seventh volume, translated by Bibek Debroy, contains the entire Karna Parva and Shalya Parva, the eighth and ninth Parvas respectively in the 18-parva classification of the Mahabharata. As per the 100 Parva classification, this volume contains parvas 73 through 77 - Karna-vadha Parva, Shalya-vadha Parva, Hrada-pravesha Parva, Tirtha Yatra parva, and Gadha yuddha Parva. The 560 pages of this volume (not counting the Introduction and Foreword) cover the 7,185 shlokas of these parvas.
Full review on my blog, at http://blog.abhinavagarwal.net/2013/0...
Short review: This seventh volume sees the war come to an end, with the fulfillment of vows, the killing of family, the drinking of blood, and the breaking of thighs. The Pandavas have won this terrible war, but the final price they would have paid for this victory will be known only in the eighth volume.
The volume ends with Bhima defeating and crushing Duryodhana's thighs (Gada Yuddha Parva). The war is over. The carnage will take one more night to die down. That will form the initial part of the eighth volume, due in November 2013.
The translator, Dr. Bibek Debroy, has soldiered on for more than three years now with this translation - two volumes coming out each year since 2010, and the end now appears in sight. While there are both free and contemporary unabridged translations available, what makes this stand out is the clear, modern-day English that doesn't resort to archaic usages like "thou" and "hast", the fidelity to the Critical Edition, the almost encyclopedic knowledge of Dr Debroy that is put to use to clarify and provide insights into terms and phrases, and at times even correct the Critical Edition, make this my recommendation for those looking for an English translation of the unabridged Mahabharata to dig their teeth into.
Note: This seventh volume, translated by Bibek Debroy, contains the entire Karna Parva and Shalya Parva, the eighth and ninth Parvas respectively in the 18-parva classification of the Mahabharata. As per the 100 Parva classification, this volume contains parvas 73 through 77 - Karna-vadha Parva, Shalya-vadha Parva, Hrada-pravesha Parva, Tirtha Yatra parva, and Gadha yuddha Parva. The 560 pages of this volume (not counting the Introduction and Foreword) cover the 7,185 shlokas of these parvas.
Full review on my blog, at http://blog.abhinavagarwal.net/2013/0...
August 9, 2023
it is one of the most inspiring books in the world, if I can suggest you read one single book for learning lessons that will help you forever then it would be Mahabharata.
mahabharata is the story of the battle between Kaurvas & Pandavas. this battle will thought you many life lessons and by learning these life lessons, you can outperform in life.
The greatest Indian story ever told of a war between two factions of a family, The Mahabharata has continued to sway the imagination of its readers over the past centuries.
While the dispute over land and kingdom between the warring cousins-the Pandavas and the Kauravas-forms the chief narrative, the primary concern of The Mahabharata is about the conflict of dharma. These conflicts are immense and various, singular and commonplace. Throughout the epic, characters face them with no clear indications of what is right and what is wrong; there are no absolute answers. Thus every possible human emotion features in The Mahabharata, the reason the epic continues to hold sway over our imagination.
The complete and unabridged Sanskrit classic, now masterfully and accessibly rendered for contemporary readers by Bibek Debroy.
mahabharata is the story of the battle between Kaurvas & Pandavas. this battle will thought you many life lessons and by learning these life lessons, you can outperform in life.
The greatest Indian story ever told of a war between two factions of a family, The Mahabharata has continued to sway the imagination of its readers over the past centuries.
While the dispute over land and kingdom between the warring cousins-the Pandavas and the Kauravas-forms the chief narrative, the primary concern of The Mahabharata is about the conflict of dharma. These conflicts are immense and various, singular and commonplace. Throughout the epic, characters face them with no clear indications of what is right and what is wrong; there are no absolute answers. Thus every possible human emotion features in The Mahabharata, the reason the epic continues to hold sway over our imagination.
The complete and unabridged Sanskrit classic, now masterfully and accessibly rendered for contemporary readers by Bibek Debroy.
November 13, 2025
This one was a slog. Most of it is, sadly, still the war, in the same style as #5 and #6, and although there are confrontations and death of major characters, it begins to feel like more of the same. To get a taste, see my review of part 5.
Without spoiling too much, I must add that the ending section is rather disappointing, in that it clashes with what has been repeated again and again throughout the book, i.e. who follows dharma and who the "bad guys" are. If the characters had not been so black-and-white from the beginning it would have actually improved the whole story; as it is, the sudden change of perspective felt somewhat out of place to me.
The good news is, the Kurukshetra war is more or less declared finished, and we're about to move on, although there is some tidying up to do, as the translator informs us. I am eager to read the rest, as there are 3 more volumes, so lots of room for more than just a war epic.
Without spoiling too much, I must add that the ending section is rather disappointing, in that it clashes with what has been repeated again and again throughout the book, i.e. who follows dharma and who the "bad guys" are. If the characters had not been so black-and-white from the beginning it would have actually improved the whole story; as it is, the sudden change of perspective felt somewhat out of place to me.
The good news is, the Kurukshetra war is more or less declared finished, and we're about to move on, although there is some tidying up to do, as the translator informs us. I am eager to read the rest, as there are 3 more volumes, so lots of room for more than just a war epic.
Read
July 26, 2020BORI Critical Edition and English Translation by Bibek Debroy both are authentic (as it’s originally translated form Sanskrit text of BORI). However, there is so many translation error in Bibek Debroy translation and it seems that Bibek Debroy himself doesn’t have command on Sanskrit, so he has used so many helpful dictionary but sometimes his translation seems weird and not enthusiastic as Mahabharata is. Over all good for non-Sanskrit reader and reference. Though, some have found certain errors in some of his Sanskrit translations.
August 28, 2021
Bibek Debroy's work of art proceeds forward with Vol 7 of the Mahabharata's translation. Victory has been earned by the Pandavas in the war, but is there a price they will have to pay for this victory? That's what the eighth volume will tell.
Can't wait to finish off the next volume in the series!
Can't wait to finish off the next volume in the series!
October 23, 2020
Day 18 of War - Karna being unassailable - Karna’s Defeat - Shalya is the commander & is killed by Yudhisthira - Duryodhana challenges Bheem to a Gada Duel
May 22, 2023
Finally the war comes to the end. But it is not over yet. I am awaiting the Killing of Pandavas son by Ashvadhama and the samvaad between him and Krishna.
Book #12 series Indic books
Book #12 series Indic books
September 21, 2025
This book contains everything in it. Apotheotic in all regards.
December 30, 2016
The war continues to be destructive to everyone, and there's less boilerplate than in the last volume. Instead, we get some highly amusing bickering between Karna and Shayla, and rather more surprising near-fighting between Arjuna and Yudhishthira. Also, Bhima drinks the blood of his enemy and Arjuna kills Karna while his chariot is stuck, egged on by Krishna. The three Pandavas that actually matter are not coming out of this war looking especially good, and it seems to be weighing on Yudhishthira especially.
Shalya is appointed the commander next, and is killed more or less fairly, after which Duryodhana hides in a lake. After a weird diversion to reintroduce Balarama, I guess, Bhima kills Duryodhana unfairly, again egged on by Krishna. Duryodhana bitterly recriminates against Krishna and his crimes and it's difficult not to see his point; even the foremost of the gods and Bhagavad Gita author isn't handling the war especially well. But with Duryodhana's death, the war is essentially over. Is the victory worth it?
Shalya is appointed the commander next, and is killed more or less fairly, after which Duryodhana hides in a lake. After a weird diversion to reintroduce Balarama, I guess, Bhima kills Duryodhana unfairly, again egged on by Krishna. Duryodhana bitterly recriminates against Krishna and his crimes and it's difficult not to see his point; even the foremost of the gods and Bhagavad Gita author isn't handling the war especially well. But with Duryodhana's death, the war is essentially over. Is the victory worth it?
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews