Hillwood military medical university
Course
English
Book Summary:
"The Mahabharata" is an ancient Indian epic poem attributed to the sage Vyasa. It is a vast
narrative that encompasses the history, mythology, philosophy, and ethical teachings of
ancient India. The central plot revolves around the Kurukshetra War, a great conflict between
two rival families, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, but it also includes numerous subplots,
stories, and discourses.
Parva-wise Summaries
Adi Parva (The Book of the Beginning):
Introduces the Kuru dynasty, the birth of the Pandavas and Kauravas, their education, the
game of dice, and their exile. It also includes the Bhagavad Gita, a philosophical discourse
within the epic.
Sabha Parva (The Book of the Assembly):
Focuses on the challenges faced by the Pandavas, the game of dice, Draupadi's humiliation,
and the subsequent exile.
Vana Parva (The Book of the Forest):
Covers the Pandavas' exile in the forest, various adventures, and the sage Markandeya's
narration of cosmic events.
Virata Parva (The Book of Virata):
Describes the Pandavas' stay in disguise in the kingdom of Virata and their role in the
Kurukshetra War.
Udyoga Parva (The Book of the Effort):
Details the diplomatic efforts, discussions, and preparations leading up to the great war.
Bhishma Parva (The Book of Bhishma):
Focuses on the early days of the war, with Bhishma as the commander of the Kaurava army.
It includes his teachings on dharma.
Drona Parva (The Book of Drona):
Covers the involvement of Dronacharya as the Kaurava commander and the tragic events in
the war.