Q.- Discuss the theme of Mahabharata by C.Rajgopalachari.
Ans: C. Rajagopalachari’s retelling of the Mahabharata highlights not only the grandeur of the epic but also its deep moral and spiritual lessons. According to him, the central theme of the Mahabharata is the struggle between dharma (righteousness) and adharma (unrighteousness). Every character in the story faces moral choices, and their decisions shape the destiny of the entire family and nation.
The story begins with jealousy and rivalry between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. Rajagopalachari emphasizes that this jealousy, greed, and ego are the roots of destruction. The game of dice and Draupadi’s humiliation show how adharma can grow when rulers forget justice and morality.
The Kurukshetra war, though full of violence, is presented as a battle for justice. Krishna’s guidance to Arjuna through the Bhagavad Gita is the heart of the Mahabharata. Rajagopalachari explains that life is a constant battlefield where humans must act with duty and faith, without being attached to the results. This idea of nishkama karma (selfless action) is a powerful theme.
Another important theme is the inevitability of fate. Even great heroes cannot escape the consequences of their actions. The fall of mighty warriors like Bhishma, Drona, and Karna shows that even strength and knowledge cannot save those who compromise with adharma.
Rajagopalachari also stresses the importance of forgiveness, sacrifice, and truth. The Pandavas, despite their suffering, finally forgive the Kauravas’ surviving heir. This ending teaches that peace and compassion are higher than revenge.
Thus, the Mahabharata is not just a tale of war; it is a guide to life. Its main theme is the eternal conflict between good and evil, duty and desire, truth and falsehood. Rajagopalachari presents it as a mirror of human life, where one learns how to live with righteousness, courage, and humility.
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