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Amar Chitra Katha Mahabharata #1-3
Amar Chitra Katha Mahabharata Vol. 1-3
The Mahabharata presents sweeping visions of the cosmos and humanity and intriguing and frightening glimpses of divinity in an ancient narrative that is accessible, interesting, and compelling for anyone willing to learn the basic themes of Hindu culture. The Mahabharata definitely is one of those creations of human language and spirit that has traveled far beyond the place of its original creation and will eventually take its rightful place on the highest shelf of world literature beside Homer's epics, the Greek tragedies, the Bible, Shakespeare, and similarly transcendent works. This collection of 3 Volumes contains 42 different chapters:
1. The Kuru Princes of Hastinapura - Veda Vyasa's epic on the Bharata race was first recited in public by his disciple Vaishampayana at the behest of the ageless seer Vyasa himself. The recital took place in the august presence of king Janamejaya, great-grandson of Vyasa, and the many learned sages who had assembled for Janamejaya's Sarpa Satra (a twelve-year-long Yajnavv). This volume describes the lineage of the Kuru princes. When Pandu, the father of the Pandavas, dies in the forest, his wife Kunti returns to Hastinapura with the five boys.
The great Dronacharya trains the Kuru princes in the art of war. The feats of strength preformed by Bheema, and Arjuna's skill at wielding the bow awake jealousy in the minds of Duryodhana and the other Kuru princes.
Duryodhana plots the exile of the Pandavas to the city of Varanavata. Acting on the coded warning given by Vidura, the Pandavas manage to escape from the burning house of shellac.
They live in the guise of mendicants at Ekachakrapura. Later they proceed to Panchala to attend the Swayamvara of Draupadi. Arjuna, the skilful archer, wins Draupadi's hand. In order to obey their mother's words that they must share everything equally, all the five brothers are married with due ceremony to Draupadi. The Pandavas are recalled to Hastinapura and are given half the Kingdom.
2. The Pandavas in Exile- Volume 1 described the training of the Pandavas and Kauravas, the Pandavas' escape from the burning house of shellac, their marriage to Draupadi and their subsequent return to Hastinapura.
In this volume are described the slaying of Jarasandha by Bheema; the subjugation of the other kings by the Pandavas; and the Rajasooya Yajna performed by Yudhishthira. Later, in the game of dice, the Pandavas lose their kingdom and live in exile.
At the end of the period of exile, when the Pandavas come back to claim their kingdom, Duryodhana refuses to part with even five villages.
3. On the Battlefield of Kurukshetra- The first two volumes of the Mahabharata described the growing animosity between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, the costly game of dice which led to the banishment of the Pandavas for thirteen years, the events during the exile and the proposal of peace from Dhritarashtra conveyed by Sanjaya to the Pandavas.
This volume describes the attempts of Krishna to bring about a peaceful settlement between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. They fail and a bitter war is fought for eighteen days. The Pandavas emerge victorious in the end.
1. The Kuru Princes of Hastinapura - Veda Vyasa's epic on the Bharata race was first recited in public by his disciple Vaishampayana at the behest of the ageless seer Vyasa himself. The recital took place in the august presence of king Janamejaya, great-grandson of Vyasa, and the many learned sages who had assembled for Janamejaya's Sarpa Satra (a twelve-year-long Yajnavv). This volume describes the lineage of the Kuru princes. When Pandu, the father of the Pandavas, dies in the forest, his wife Kunti returns to Hastinapura with the five boys.
The great Dronacharya trains the Kuru princes in the art of war. The feats of strength preformed by Bheema, and Arjuna's skill at wielding the bow awake jealousy in the minds of Duryodhana and the other Kuru princes.
Duryodhana plots the exile of the Pandavas to the city of Varanavata. Acting on the coded warning given by Vidura, the Pandavas manage to escape from the burning house of shellac.
They live in the guise of mendicants at Ekachakrapura. Later they proceed to Panchala to attend the Swayamvara of Draupadi. Arjuna, the skilful archer, wins Draupadi's hand. In order to obey their mother's words that they must share everything equally, all the five brothers are married with due ceremony to Draupadi. The Pandavas are recalled to Hastinapura and are given half the Kingdom.
2. The Pandavas in Exile- Volume 1 described the training of the Pandavas and Kauravas, the Pandavas' escape from the burning house of shellac, their marriage to Draupadi and their subsequent return to Hastinapura.
In this volume are described the slaying of Jarasandha by Bheema; the subjugation of the other kings by the Pandavas; and the Rajasooya Yajna performed by Yudhishthira. Later, in the game of dice, the Pandavas lose their kingdom and live in exile.
At the end of the period of exile, when the Pandavas come back to claim their kingdom, Duryodhana refuses to part with even five villages.
3. On the Battlefield of Kurukshetra- The first two volumes of the Mahabharata described the growing animosity between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, the costly game of dice which led to the banishment of the Pandavas for thirteen years, the events during the exile and the proposal of peace from Dhritarashtra conveyed by Sanjaya to the Pandavas.
This volume describes the attempts of Krishna to bring about a peaceful settlement between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. They fail and a bitter war is fought for eighteen days. The Pandavas emerge victorious in the end.
1328 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1972
119 people are currently reading
1922 people want to read
About the author
Anant Pai
1,063 books224 followersAnant Pai popularly known as Uncle Pai, was an Indian educationalist and creator of Indian comics, in particular the Amar Chitra Katha series in 1967, along with the India Book House publishers, and which retold traditional Indian folk tales, mythological stories, and biographies of historical characters. In 1980, he launched Tinkle, a children's anthology, which was started under Rang Rekha Features, India's first comic and cartoon syndicate, that lasted till 1998, with him as the Managing Director.
Today, Amar Chitra Katha sells about three million comic books a year, in English and more than 20 Indian languages, and has sold about 100 million copies since it inception in 1967 by Anant Pai, and in 2007 was taken over by ACK Media.
Today, Amar Chitra Katha sells about three million comic books a year, in English and more than 20 Indian languages, and has sold about 100 million copies since it inception in 1967 by Anant Pai, and in 2007 was taken over by ACK Media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 7, 2015
This is a set of 3 volumes book which covers whole Mahabharata with illustrations. This comic book is just a simplified version of original epic. The book is divided perfectly into three volumes. Crisp and fast moving book once you are familiar with the characters of Mahabharata. A must read for anyone who wants to read Mahabharata in a quick time. Perfect 5 on 5 book.
October 9, 2021
I'd been trying to read the Mahabharata since a very long time but I couldn't focus for very long, the complex language played a huge role in that. Around a year or two ago I came across an ad for this in the Tinkle monthly magazine and bought it and I'm so glad I did. The graphic novel form was very easy to engage with and not once did I get distracted, moreover, even though the format is one that might lead a person to think that it'll be a watered down version of the epic, it isn't. It remains true to the epic.
You might feel that it's overpriced but I assure you that it's worth every paisa that it costs.
You might feel that it's overpriced but I assure you that it's worth every paisa that it costs.
March 22, 2017
'Whatever is found here may be found somewhere else, but what is not found here is found nowhere.' So says the Mahabharata, the longest epic in world literature. Found this beautiful three tome comic which gives a simplified version of the story and acquired footage of Sadhguru explaining the events from a yogi's perspective. This is not just a story, this is everyone's story. To see jealousy, valour, love, hate, lust, friendship and divinity personified in different characters. To learn from their mistakes without suffering the consequences yourself; truly a human story of the highest level. It is too complex to fathom, past lives, future lives, boons, curses, complicated family trees, a story spanning several generations, different races from celestials, demons, gods and brave and weak men alike. While reading about these valiant men, in their epic war, I was doing my best not to judge those from a different time period, but to live the experiences that they went through, so that I myself can grow. A lovely way to learn the basic structure of this story, so that when I do my further reading/viewing I have a some sort of idea of who is who, and what is going on.
November 14, 2012
I thought that these series of books refreshed me. I also thought that it was well illustrated and factual. I loved how it kind of had a prologue and an epilogue. If there are any more books like this, I would love to read it.
March 21, 2012
Evergreen! Introduces the wonder called Mahabharata to a novice or a juvenile reader.. and also delights the Mahabharata-buff like me every time I flip thru the pages.
July 15, 2015
Really enjoyed reading this to my kids. It was a perfect way to learn about the epic story and cast of characters from the Indian classic. This also was a perfect way for me to learn the contextual backdrop prior to reading the Bhagavad Gita (Non Kid version). Fascinating stories, as riveting as the Illiad and the Odysey.
June 17, 2013
Superb Illustrations, Lots of back stories and explanations. Enjoyed it through and through!! Best 1200/- i ever spent! :)
June 7, 2013
Fantastic book, so many things to understand & learn, and change your view about life and the society.
Will read this book again after a few months.
Will read this book again after a few months.
October 24, 2013
Amazing book about Indian History/Mythology.
December 22, 2015
Fantastic illustrations to the world greatest story.
With limited technology Amar Chitra Katha came up with great work.
I wish they try their hand with the latest technology too.
With limited technology Amar Chitra Katha came up with great work.
I wish they try their hand with the latest technology too.
January 9, 2015
a sexually charged violent romp through mystical India.
January 3, 2025
Absolutely the best retelling of the Mahabharat to date. I urge everyone to get their hands on this incredible piece of work that transcends time and culture — it's gorgeous, brilliantly told, truly accessible to all, and just an incredible experience. I am sad to have finished this, but excited to revisit it again and again. By far one of the most important epic pieces of human history, and as relevant today as it was when it first entered oral tradition. Om Hari Krishna Om!
April 11, 2022
The 3 volumes faithfully recreate the events of the epic saga in a truly captivating fashion.
September 28, 2015
One EPIC war. Of EPIC proportions.
One war that was fought between the righteous Pandavas and the vile Kauravas.
One war that lasted 18 days and wrecked untold havoc and anguish.
One war that serves as a prototype for all future wars.
The MAHABHARATA tells the tale of this great war and it is next to impossible to come away from this exemplary piece of work, unaffected.
To review the Mahabharata effectively is difficult and frankly, a bit presumptuous. It is a tale that should be read atleast once in a lifetime. Populated with stalwart heroes who sometimes had feet of clay and dastardly villains who sometimes displayed great dignity, the Mahabharata churns up the age-old struggle between good and evil. Within it's pages, you will find heroes, anti-heroes, heroines, villains, schemers, gods, demons, sages and warriors. The Mahabharata unfolds on a grandiose scale and has so many effective twists and turns that a seemingly ancient tale appears to be realistically flawed with all the foibles that still plague humanity. In this story, you find truth and lies, charity and greed, wisdom and foolishness, love and lust, revenge and forgiveness, peace and bloodshed. You would be hard-pressed to find another story that encompasses such a diverse range of emotions without ever appearing monotonous or tedious.
The Mahabharata is special because it is so very real. And despite being a historical epic, it's themes are still present and throbbing and sculpting our day-to-day existence. It has been rightly claimed that "anything that happens anywhere is an echo of what is in the Mahabharata and also that what is not found in the Mahabharata will not be found anywhere in the world." This is not a vainglorious claim. Having returned to the Mahabharata for the third time, I can vouch for the fact that the aforementioned statement holds true.
And thanks to AMAR CHITRA KATHA's ever-reliable storytelling prowess, a reader remains completely and utterly hooked from start to finish.
I was, am and continue to remain in awe of this story.
April 21, 2017
Great collection, wonderful storytelling, fabulous art...everything about this is great. I have read these books many many times and still read them. Only reason to rate it as 4 instead of 5 stars is that it plays to skin-color tropes by coloring the good people as fair and many of the bad guys, dark. The exceptions are Krishna and Arjuna. If this had been avoided, this is a top notch 5 star entry to simplifying the epic for adults and kids alike.
January 30, 2019
Anyone who wants to introduce their kids to the great Indian epic - Mahabharata - in English, this is the perfect set of books to start with.
It gives a fairly good idea about the story of Mahabharata and depicts all the importance instances.
Being illustrated makes it even more appealing.
Both young and old will find this a good read. Its fun to reread it as well.
Its will be a good addition to anyone's collection. Totally worth the money you are spending.
It gives a fairly good idea about the story of Mahabharata and depicts all the importance instances.
Being illustrated makes it even more appealing.
Both young and old will find this a good read. Its fun to reread it as well.
Its will be a good addition to anyone's collection. Totally worth the money you are spending.
October 11, 2015
Amar Chitra Katha has done an incredible job in presenting the epic in three volumes with extremely attractive illustrations and effective narration.
The whole story has been told very beautifully. A must read for young as well as adults alike.
The whole story has been told very beautifully. A must read for young as well as adults alike.
October 15, 2012
This is a great introduction to the Indian epic. For anyone who has read the Bhaghavad Gita, it takes up 7 pages of this comic... Just to give you a sense of how condensed it is.
September 25, 2013
Currently reading and already excited to be reliving childhood pleasures.
November 2, 2013
It's so good!! Never get bored bu it :)
February 25, 2014
Fantastic illustrations and rich details in the story make these volumes a must- read and a collectible as well. Great work from the AMC stables - enjoyable comics for kids and adults alike.
January 19, 2019
Very good
January 27, 2019
Awesome
March 25, 2020
Highly recommended for lovers of epic mythology and warfare, where the gods fight alongside men, warriors are granted divine weapons, and queens embody strength, majesty and grace to inspire love and respect and, in some cases, fear. Anyone who enjoyed the Iliad and is interested in learning about different cultures will likely enjoy this epic.
The Mahabharata is a sweeping tale of political intrigue, heroism and feats of supernatural prowess set against the panorama of Indian royalty and mythology. Add in beauty, love, divinity, nobility, and flawed characters pitted against each other in devastating conflict (both psychological and physical) and you get the ultimate triumph of good over evil. It covers just about every human emotion and act one can imagine. It even has LGBTQ+ themes (Shikhandi who's a badass trans prince(ss) warrior, Ardhanarishvara, who's a hermaphrodite formed from the joining of Shiva and Vishnu).
Seemingly banal events are often allegorical. E.g. Princess Draupadi ends up being married to all 5 Pandava brothers because their mother told Draupadi's original (and only) husband, Arjuna, to share his winnings with his brothers, not knowing it was a wife he had won. Easy-peasy polyandry, right? Not really :) We learn that this happened because Draupadi had asked Lord Shiva for a boon--to be married to the perfect man. However, as there is no ONE perfect man, she had to be married to 5 different men who each exemplified different virtues: justice & morality, strength, dedication, love & beauty, and intelligence.
It's an utterly brilliant tale and the Amar Chitra Katha illustrated, hardbound trilogy is one of the easiest and most entertaining versions of this epic to consume. And it's a great introduction to a rich and vibrant eastern mythology. Highly recommended, even though I said that already.
The Mahabharata is a sweeping tale of political intrigue, heroism and feats of supernatural prowess set against the panorama of Indian royalty and mythology. Add in beauty, love, divinity, nobility, and flawed characters pitted against each other in devastating conflict (both psychological and physical) and you get the ultimate triumph of good over evil. It covers just about every human emotion and act one can imagine. It even has LGBTQ+ themes (Shikhandi who's a badass trans prince(ss) warrior, Ardhanarishvara, who's a hermaphrodite formed from the joining of Shiva and Vishnu).
Seemingly banal events are often allegorical. E.g. Princess Draupadi ends up being married to all 5 Pandava brothers because their mother told Draupadi's original (and only) husband, Arjuna, to share his winnings with his brothers, not knowing it was a wife he had won. Easy-peasy polyandry, right? Not really :) We learn that this happened because Draupadi had asked Lord Shiva for a boon--to be married to the perfect man. However, as there is no ONE perfect man, she had to be married to 5 different men who each exemplified different virtues: justice & morality, strength, dedication, love & beauty, and intelligence.
It's an utterly brilliant tale and the Amar Chitra Katha illustrated, hardbound trilogy is one of the easiest and most entertaining versions of this epic to consume. And it's a great introduction to a rich and vibrant eastern mythology. Highly recommended, even though I said that already.
October 18, 2022
Tch! Tch! Tch!
I was being naive!!
I thought this was the Mahabharata in "comics" format. I'd read it through in a couple of days and move onto my next book.
Little did I know!
Three volumes. 1300+ pages. Multicolour illustrations with text and pictures vying with each other for attention. And a feast for eyes.
And, not couple of days, but a couple of weeks it snatched away from me.
Leaving no regrets behind!
Sandeep Balakrishna-ji is right. He usually is!
"... it (Amar Chitra Katha) educated, nay reawakened, at least two generations of Indians to the wealth of their cultural and historical heritage in a fun and lively manner. ACK comics represent cultural unlearning and re-education. In hindsight, it is truly astonishing to note that Hindu minds could be decolonized even in this fashion. ... Together they constitute an elevating cultural feast comprising a brilliant and well-thought out mix of Indian history, epics, Purana and profiles of eminent people from the dawn of Santana civilization." ["Amar Chitra Katha: A Quiet Cultural Revolution that Saved Two Generations of Our Children", www.dharmadispatch.in, 9 January 2020].
Recommended for those who have retained that curiosity and sense of wonder of those teenage years.
And also recommended for those who, like me, can see the tape at the end of the finishing line!
Read it.
The Amar Chitra Katha Mahabharata, that is!
And Sandeep Balakrishna's essays, too, if you may!!
I was being naive!!
I thought this was the Mahabharata in "comics" format. I'd read it through in a couple of days and move onto my next book.
Little did I know!
Three volumes. 1300+ pages. Multicolour illustrations with text and pictures vying with each other for attention. And a feast for eyes.
And, not couple of days, but a couple of weeks it snatched away from me.
Leaving no regrets behind!
Sandeep Balakrishna-ji is right. He usually is!
"... it (Amar Chitra Katha) educated, nay reawakened, at least two generations of Indians to the wealth of their cultural and historical heritage in a fun and lively manner. ACK comics represent cultural unlearning and re-education. In hindsight, it is truly astonishing to note that Hindu minds could be decolonized even in this fashion. ... Together they constitute an elevating cultural feast comprising a brilliant and well-thought out mix of Indian history, epics, Purana and profiles of eminent people from the dawn of Santana civilization." ["Amar Chitra Katha: A Quiet Cultural Revolution that Saved Two Generations of Our Children", www.dharmadispatch.in, 9 January 2020].
Recommended for those who have retained that curiosity and sense of wonder of those teenage years.
And also recommended for those who, like me, can see the tape at the end of the finishing line!
Read it.
The Amar Chitra Katha Mahabharata, that is!
And Sandeep Balakrishna's essays, too, if you may!!
Read
June 22, 2020PDF download links below.
Originally written by Veda Vyasa's, is one of the legendary epic in India. Consists of a total of 42 chapters divided into 3 Volumes of 14 chapter each.
Volume 1 is about the early days in Hastinapur and the birth of Duryodhana's hate for his cousins the Pandavas. The story continues to the Pandavas' escape from the burning palace of shellac to their eventual marriage to Draupadi.
Download PDF Volume 1
Volume two describes the events of the fateful game of dice which ends in the Pandavas losing their entire kingdom to the victorious Kauravas. The Pandavas are sent into exile for 13 years.
Download PDF Volume 2
Volume three encapsulates the great battle of Kurukshetra. The bitter war is fought for eighteen days ending, with Krishna’s help, in victory for the Pandavas.
Download PDF Volume 3
Originally written by Veda Vyasa's, is one of the legendary epic in India. Consists of a total of 42 chapters divided into 3 Volumes of 14 chapter each.
Volume 1 is about the early days in Hastinapur and the birth of Duryodhana's hate for his cousins the Pandavas. The story continues to the Pandavas' escape from the burning palace of shellac to their eventual marriage to Draupadi.
Download PDF Volume 1
Volume two describes the events of the fateful game of dice which ends in the Pandavas losing their entire kingdom to the victorious Kauravas. The Pandavas are sent into exile for 13 years.
Download PDF Volume 2
Volume three encapsulates the great battle of Kurukshetra. The bitter war is fought for eighteen days ending, with Krishna’s help, in victory for the Pandavas.
Download PDF Volume 3
June 18, 2024
I loved reading this comic. It concisely summaries 2 pager stories in a couple of panels. Covers almost all the stories of Mahabharata, till the end, where the Pandavas trek to Swargarohini in Himalayas. It is certainly not a children's material, and obviously there is no justification of anything. The story is filled with grey characters and greyer characters. The art in this book is of gold standard. The tools they have used to highlight Arjuna, and other main characters are very well decided, and executed. Highly recommend, it is available for free in archive.org website.
November 2, 2021
The say that childhood is like contemplating a beautiful region as one rides backwards, one really becomes aware of the beauty at that moment, that very instant, when it begins to vanish.
The Amar Chitra Katha Mahabharata is a golden part of my life that I can never go back to in the same manner. Picking up the relics of my past feels so so very nostalgic.
Those were the most cherished days of my life, where I enjoyed the little things. Those experiences have helped shape my future.
The Amar Chitra Katha Mahabharata is a golden part of my life that I can never go back to in the same manner. Picking up the relics of my past feels so so very nostalgic.
Those were the most cherished days of my life, where I enjoyed the little things. Those experiences have helped shape my future.
December 27, 2019
Excellent condensation of this Indian epic. Among the many battles are surprising events like casual polyandry, appearances of water, and stumbling upon the Bhagavad Gita in its original context. I also think it's interesting how the buff men and willowy women have differently colored skin, but the majority are fair.
May 5, 2021
I read these volumes when I was 7 or 8 years old. My love for books began with this beautiful epic. I am grateful to the people who wrote this story in such an understandable language. My life and the way I look at things wouldn't have been the same if I hadn't read this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews