Q.- Discuss Mahabharata as classical epic.
Ans: The Mahabharata, written by Ved Vyasa, is the longest epic in the world and one of the greatest creations of classical literature. It contains more than one lakh verses and is rightly called a classical epic because of its grand style, vastness, and moral depth.
First, the Mahabharata has a grand scale. It is not only a story of the conflict between the Pandavas and Kauravas but also a history of an age. It covers politics, society, religion, philosophy, and human emotions. Like other classical epics, it has kings, wars, heroes, and divine interventions, which give it a universal and timeless quality.
Second, it presents the struggle between Dharma and Adharma. A true classical epic always deals with the eternal values of life. In the Mahabharata, characters face moral choices, and their actions decide the fate of the entire family and nation. The story teaches that truth and justice always win in the long run.
Third, the Mahabharata has a great hero – not one person, but many. Yudhishthira represents truth, Arjuna represents courage, Bhima represents strength, Draupadi represents honor, and Krishna represents divine wisdom. This combination of human and divine qualities is a feature of epics.
Fourth, the Bhagavad Gita, which is part of the Mahabharata, gives it a spiritual and philosophical depth. It teaches Nishkama Karma (selfless action) and has guided generations, making the Mahabharata more than a story—it becomes a book of life.
Lastly, the Mahabharata has universality. It describes every kind of human emotion—love, hatred, jealousy, sacrifice, bravery, revenge, and forgiveness. This makes it not only an Indian text but a treasure for the entire world.
Thus, the Mahabharata is called a classical epic because it combines grandeur, moral lessons, heroic characters, and spiritual wisdom. It is not just a tale of war but a mirror of human life and eternal truth.
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