The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, along with the Ramayana. These epics, called Itihasa (which means “how it happened”), are treasure troves of details about ancient life in India.
Some people dismiss everything in these epics as mythology or fantasy, not understanding the deep faith and meaning they hold for multitudes in India. Much of our history is oral, and even when written, some exaggeration is inevitable. History is a perspective, not merely a retelling of facts. During the long years India lay dormant under British rule, much of our knowledge was lost or discredited. Only now are we are re-examining our history and our texts through our own lens.
In modern times, the colonial hangover that blinded us has lifted to some extent, not only in India but around the world. New excavations and archaeological findings continue to shed light on many aspects of our past.
We explored the historicity of the Mahabharata in an earlier blog, examining how the War of the Ten Kings could have inspired the epic.
The Narrative
The Mahabharata narrates the Kurukshetra War, a conflict between two branches of the Kuru clan, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, over the throne of Hastinapur. The epic also contains numerous stories and legends about various characters, places, and events that form part of India’s rich cultural heritage.
Geography of the Mahabharata
The epic also discusses the geography of those times. How does it match with what we know now? The geography of the Mahabharata is difficult to determine, as it covers a vast area of the Indian subcontinent and beyond. Some places mentioned in the epic are historical and can be identified with modern locations, while others appear mythical or legendary with no clear correspondence. However, scholars have attempted to reconstruct this geography based on textual evidence, archaeological findings, linguistic analysis, and comparative mythology.
One major source of geographical information is the Bhishma Parva, which contains a chapter called Digvijaya Parva. In this chapter, Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, sends his four brothers on military campaigns in different directions across India and beyond to establish his supremacy and collect tribute from various kings and rulers. The chapter lists the names and locations of hundreds of kingdoms, tribes, cities, mountains, rivers, and other features that the Pandavas encounter or conquer during their expeditions. The Nine Regions
According to Digvijaya Parva, the geography can be divided into nine regions or zones:
- Aryavarta (the land of the Aryans)
- Madhyadesha (the central region)
- Prachya (the east)
- Dakshina Patha (the south)
- Aparanta (the west)
- Uttara Patha (the north)
- Sindhu-Sauvira (the Indus Valley)
- Anupa (the region around Lake Mansarovar)
- Vahika (the region beyond the Indus)
Each region has its own characteristics and features described in the epic. This suggests that Aryans were not the only group of people living in India at that time.
Prominent Places in the Mahabharata
Hastinapur
The capital city of the Kuru kingdom and the major setting of the Kurukshetra War. On the banks of the Ganga River in present-day Uttar Pradesh.
Kurukshetra
The battlefield where the war between the Pandavas and Kauravas took place. Also, a sacred place for Hindus, believed to be where Krishna delivered his sermon to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita. Located in present-day Haryana.
Indraprastha
The magnificent city built by the Pandavas after their exile from Hastinapur, said to have many palaces and gardens. Identified with present-day Delhi.
Dwarika
The splendid island city where Krishna ruled as king after leaving Mathura. Believed to have submerged underwater after Krishna’s departure from Earth. In present-day Gujarat.
Mathura
The birthplace of Krishna and his elder brother Balarama, and where Krishna killed his uncle Kamsa and freed his parents from prison. In present-day Uttar Pradesh.
Panchala
The kingdom ruled by Drupada, father of Draupadi, who married all five Pandavas. Also, the birthplace of Drona, teacher of both the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Located in present-day Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Interestingly, there is a folklore tradition in Gujarat that challenges this location. At the Tarnetar Temple in Gujarat, locals claim that the kund (a small water body in a holy place) is where Arjuna shot the arrow into the revolving fisheye and won Draupadi’s hand. They believe
Draupadi’s swayamvar was held around this kund. During the annual Tarnetar fair, unmarried tribal men dress in their finest and stand under chattris (umbrellas), hoping to attract matches from the women who visit. The women inspect the men, and marriages are finalized during the mela.
Magadha
The kingdom ruled by Jarasandha, a powerful enemy of Krishna and the Pandavas, and where Bhima killed Jarasandha in a wrestling match. Located in present-day Bihar and Jharkhand.
Kalinga
The kingdom ruled by Shalya, Karna’s friend who later joined the Kaurava side in the war. Also, where Arjuna defeated Bhagadatta, a king who fought for the Kauravas. Located in present-day Odisha.
Lanka
The island kingdom ruled by Ravana, who was killed by Rama in the Ramayana. After Ravana’s death, his brother Vibhishana, who had joined Rama’s side, became king. Located in present-day Sri Lanka.
Conclusion
We are yet to understand or identify all the places mentioned in the epic, but the identifications made so far tell us that these epics have their basis in reality. Namaste until next time.
🙏 Namaste