Critical Analysis
Considered to be India’s greatest epic, there are few uninspired by the Mahabharata. But, the Mahabharata is also a narrative which has its own share of criticisms.
A very noticeable aspect is the double standard held by many formidable characters such as Bhīma, Drona, Arjuna, and many others. While there is no doubt that the good they performed certainly outweighs the evil it is important that they not be portrayed as infallible- for legends as they are, they are also human.
Surely, no person is entirely good or bad as it is impossible for an individual to be so. The good and bad in people is exaggerated to a great degree although it is very likely that Dhuryodhana had some redeeming qualities while Yudhisthira also committed sins.
Drona goes to great heights to defend and make sure that his favorite disciple Arjuna remains the best archer. He asks for Ekalavya’s thumb, and forbids Karna from participating in the archery contest stating the reason that he is not a Kshatriya. A true Kshatriya must prove his skill by engaging in battle with and defeating his opponents, not by obliterating his enemies through unfair means.
Yudhisthira and Bhishma, along with other elders, known for their propagation of Dharma, remain silent …show more content…
The main battle is not the Kurukshetra war but the fight between Krishna and Jarasandha, who is killed by Krishna. Ultimately, the Pandavas and Balarama take renunciation as Jain monks and are reborn in heaven, while Krishna and Jarasandha are reborn in hell for their exploits and evil ways respectively. Professor Padmanabh Jaini admits to the possibility that perhaps because of his popularity, Jain monks were keen to rehabilitate Krishna. The Jain texts predict that after his karmic term in hell is completed, Krishna will be reborn as a Jain Tirthankara and attain
Considered to be India’s greatest epic, there are few uninspired by the Mahabharata. But, the Mahabharata is also a narrative which has its own share of criticisms.
A very noticeable aspect is the double standard held by many formidable characters such as Bhīma, Drona, Arjuna, and many others. While there is no doubt that the good they performed certainly outweighs the evil it is important that they not be portrayed as infallible- for legends as they are, they are also human.
Surely, no person is entirely good or bad as it is impossible for an individual to be so. The good and bad in people is exaggerated to a great degree although it is very likely that Dhuryodhana had some redeeming qualities while Yudhisthira also committed sins.
Drona goes to great heights to defend and make sure that his favorite disciple Arjuna remains the best archer. He asks for Ekalavya’s thumb, and forbids Karna from participating in the archery contest stating the reason that he is not a Kshatriya. A true Kshatriya must prove his skill by engaging in battle with and defeating his opponents, not by obliterating his enemies through unfair means.
Yudhisthira and Bhishma, along with other elders, known for their propagation of Dharma, remain silent …show more content…
The main battle is not the Kurukshetra war but the fight between Krishna and Jarasandha, who is killed by Krishna. Ultimately, the Pandavas and Balarama take renunciation as Jain monks and are reborn in heaven, while Krishna and Jarasandha are reborn in hell for their exploits and evil ways respectively. Professor Padmanabh Jaini admits to the possibility that perhaps because of his popularity, Jain monks were keen to rehabilitate Krishna. The Jain texts predict that after his karmic term in hell is completed, Krishna will be reborn as a Jain Tirthankara and attain