Reading Mahabharat

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Manoj

@Manojie

Voyager

Posted: 12 years ago

I have convinced a friend of mine to read Mahabharat because I think the story is amazing.

My friend is white, British, has not much clue about Indian culture, or the story.

Can anyone recommend a good version?

She is a strong reader, so a hard version would be fine, so no need for a picture version, a version that doesn't have fiction, tells the story as it was, and doesn't cut out too much?

Thanks!

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OmkaraKiParvati

@OmkaraKiParvati

Stunner

+ 4

Posted: 12 years ago

the 1 written by ved vyas is the orginal version. or u cn giv her the version written by rajagopalachari. i've read oly these 2 versions. so i cn recommend any 1 of these 2. 😊

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Manoj

@Manojie

Voyager

Posted: 12 years ago

I know Ved Vyas is original, but wanted to know if there was something she could read!

Thanks :)

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varaali

@varaali

Dazzler

+ 2

Posted: 12 years ago

I would strongly recommend Ramesh Menon's 2 volume Mahabharata. It meets all the criteria you have specified.

And I am saying this after having read several versions of this epic - Rajaji, KMG, Devdutt Patnaik, et all.

Not trying to blow my own trumpet but just to reinforce how good Ramesh Menon's version is. *Please * don't get your friend started with Devdutt Patnaik's Jaya.

For the younger or not serious readers, i would even recommend the 3- volume 'Mahabhata' that Amar Chitra Katha has come out with in comic form.

Edited by varaali - 12 years ago

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sonanai

@sonanai

Explorer

Posted: 12 years ago

Originally posted by: varaali
I would strongly recommend Ramesh Menon's 2 volume Mahabharata. It meets all the criteria you have specified.

And I am saying this after having read several versions of this epic - Rajaji, KMG, Devdutt Patnaik, et all.

Not trying to blow my own trumpet but just to reinforce how good Ramesh Menon's version is. *Please * don't get your friend started with Devdutt Patnaik's Jaya.

For the younger or not serious readers, i would even recommend the 3- volume 'Mahabhata' that Amar Chitra Katha has come out with in comic form.

what about kisari mohan ganguly..tht Book is also good...

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varaali

@varaali

Dazzler

+ 2

Posted: 12 years ago

Originally posted by: sonanai

what about kisari mohan ganguly..tht Book is also good...

That will be too heavy for someone who has no idea about the story and doesn't know anything about Indian Culture.

KMG's translation is excellent (who am I to comment on it?) but it is a literal translation of the Sanskrit verses. It may be too heavy for someone getting exposed to MB for the first time. One can read the KMG version at a later stage.

That's why I recommended Ramesh Menon. The style of writing is easy, the pace consistent and the presentation, riveting.

Edited by varaali - 12 years ago

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Manoj

@Manojie

Voyager

Posted: 12 years ago

I am going to tell her to buy it on Kindle.

I too will buy this version as I have not read Ramesh Menon.

Quick question: Is Krishna Dharma version (which I also see on Kindle) any good?

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varaali

@varaali

Dazzler

+ 2

Posted: 12 years ago

Originally posted by: Manojie
I am going to tell her to buy it on Kindle.

I too will buy this version as I have not read Ramesh Menon.

Quick question: Is Krishna Dharma version (which I also see on Kindle) any good?

I haven't read it- but I suspect it will be heavily ISKON influenced. (That's the reason I have stayed away from it)

Not that there is anything wrong in it- but ISKON tends to add their own flavour while translating scriptures. I wouldn't recommend it for someone reading MB for the first time.