MAHABHARATA - English

India is one of the earliest civilizations and has contributed much to science and technology throughout history. Yet, the young generation of India is oblivious to this great past. In these scenarios, it is gratifying to see that Prof. Ramanathan Krishnan, an internationally recognised physicist, decided to provide a better understanding of the sacred scripture of the Mahabharata in a modern context. Prof. Krishnan, who has a good knowledge of Sanskrit and a great command over English language and well versed in science, dwells in depth in his highly objective book on the Mahabharata of Vyasa. This book explores on an engaging narrative that revolves around the cities of Hastinapur, Indraprastha (New Delhi), Kurukshetra, Dvaraka, Kashi (Varanasi), etc., cosmic astronomical events such as eclipses and the new and full moon, patterns of constellations. From this information, a timeline of the events occured in Mahabharata can be established with reasonable accuracy. Prof. Krishnan has compiled the existing literature on this issue and summarised it with his astute analysis. He further deals with the age-old philosophical issue of dharma-yuddha (just war), as discussed in great length in the Bhagavad-Gita, a part of the Mahabharata. The book is well researched and communicates complex ideas in a clear manner. Prof. Krishnan's Mahabharata is the result of this labour of love. Written in bold and simple English, this book is highly valuable and informative to readers of all ages and backgrounds.