Description
The Mahabharata is often read through the lens of its great warriors and noble families—but what about everyone else? This focused study examines the overlooked characters at the margins of India’s greatest epic: the servants, the outcasts, the women who speak only when permitted, the soldiers whose names we never learn. Drawing on subaltern studies approaches, this book reveals how these “minor” figures actually carry profound meanings and challenge our understanding of dharma, power, and justice. Essential reading for students of Indian literature, history, and critical theory—and for anyone wondering whose stories the epic chooses to tell.
- Publisher : New Bharatiya Book Corporation (30 November 2024)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 162 pages
- ISBN-10 : 8183155731
- ISBN-13 : 978-8183155731
- Item Weight : 500 g
- Dimensions : 23 x 13 x 3 cm
- Packer : New Bharatiya Book Corporation, 208, 2nd Floor, 4735/22, Prakash Deep Building, Ansari Road, Darya Ganj New Delhi-
- Generic Name : Books
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this book about?
This book analyzes marginalized and minor characters in the Mahabharata—servants, outcasts, women, and soldiers—using subaltern studies methods. It shows how these overlooked voices carry deep meaning and challenge traditional readings of the epic.
Who should read ‘Subaltern Characters in the Mahabharata’?
It’s ideal for students of Indian literature, history, and critical theory; scholars interested in subaltern studies; and anyone exploring how canonical texts represent power, caste, and social hierarchies.
Is this a beginner-friendly book about the Mahabharata?
This is an academic study using critical frameworks, so it works best for readers with some background in literary analysis or Indian studies. It’s not a retelling or summary of the epic itself.
How long is this book?
The hardcover edition has 162 pages, making it a focused, manageable read for understanding subaltern perspectives in epic literature.
Where can I buy this book online in India?
You can purchase ‘Subaltern Characters in the Mahabharata: A Study’ at The Bookish Owl, India’s online bookstore, with fast delivery across the country.
