The Mahabharata, one of the major epics of India, is a sourcebook complete by itself as well as an open text constantly under construction. This volume looks at transactions between its modern discourses and ancient vocabulary. Located amid conversations between these two conceptual worlds, the volume grapples with the epic's problematisation of dharma or righteousness, and consequently, of the ideal person and the good life through a cluster of issues surrounding the concept of agency and action. Drawing on several interdisciplinary approaches, the essays reflect on a range of issues in the Mahabharata, including those of duty, motivation, freedom, selfhood, choice, autonomy, and justice, both in the context of philosophical debates and their ethical and political ramifications for contemporary times.

This book will be of interest to scholars and researchers engaged with philosophy, literature, religion, history, politics, culture, gender, South Asian studies, and Indology. It will also appeal to the general reader interested in South Asian epics and the Mahabharata.

About the Author

Sibesh Chandra Bhattacharya is former Professor of Ancient History, Allahabad University, India.

Vrinda Dalmiya is Professor, Philosophy Department, University of Hawai'i, Manoa, USA.

Gangeya Mukherji is presently Visiting Professor, School of Arts and Sciences, Ahmedabad University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.

Book Information
ISBN 9781138709201
Author Sibesh Chandra Bhattacharya
Format Hardback
Page Count 254
Imprint Routledge India
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 453g