Description
Author : Prof. A.R. Krishnasastri
Translated by : Arjun Bharadwaj and Hari Ravikumar.
About the book :
The Essential Mahabharata is an abridged rendering of Maharshi Veda-vyasa’s original Mahabharata. It is an English adaptation of Prof. A.R. Krishnasastri’s celebrated Kannada classic – Vachana Bharata , an abridged Kannada translation of India’s national epic Mahabharata which has run into multiple reprints over more than seven decades.
The book is a must-read for anyone who would like to savour a reliable and condensed version of the grandest Epic of the world. The work also includes ‘About the Book‘ by Shatavadhani Dr. R Ganesh and an intimate sketch of the author’s profile by Nadoja Dr. S.R. Ramaswamy.
The translation faithfully retains not only the original form but intent, content and substance, steering clear of “interpretations,” “textual criticism,” ideological perfidies and author-generated personal fancies. The rock-solid support and guidance that the translation has received from the cultural colossus of our time, Shatavadhani Dr. Ganesh makes it the diamond-studded work it is.
About the Author :
PROFESSOR A.R. KRISHNASASTRI needs no introduction in the world of Kannada literature and scholarship. One of the rarefied gems of the modern Renaissance of Kannada language, literature and scholarship, he dedicated himself to these endeavours which he regarded as a sacred lifelong calling and produced a vast treasure of writings that continue to endure for their quality, insights, and value.
Appreciation for the book :
” As someone who has witnessed the evolution of The Essential Mahabharata in its early stages, I can and will joyously testify to the kind of dedication, commitment, passion, and patient polishing that went behind its making for three-plus years. This final, finely polished gem is now available for the reading joy of the public who I am sure will not only welcome it with open arms but will read and reread it. ” – Sandeep Balakrishna – Full review here
aashishiyer (verified owner) – :
The Essential Mahabharata is an abridged rendering of Maharshi Veda-vyasa’s original Mahabharata. It is an English adaptation of Prof. A.R. Krishnasastri’s Kannada classic Vachana Bharata. The book here is a faithful modern translation of the Kannada original. Those who read this book will understand the essence of the Mahabharata. The very intention of writing Vachana Bharata was that the common should also easily understand and appreciate Mahabharata. Probably one of the best Mahabharata i have read.
I also appreciate the fact that this book provided map of Bharata, glossary and extensive footnotes which was quite helpful. Introduction itself was around 100 pages explaining us the nuance of backstories and various writings. The cover of this book is so aesthetic. If you can read Kannada, do read ವಚನ ಭಾರತ or this English one is too good.