Mahabharata

Book Details:

• Publisher: Niyogi Books

• Author: Giampaolo Tomassetti

• Language: English

• Binding: Paperback

• Edition: First Edition

• ISBN: 9789385285141

• Pages: 124

• Dimensions: 9.7 x 8.2 x 0.6 inches

About the Book:

Mahabharata: The Great Epic by Giampaolo Tomassetti dives into the world of the Mahabharata, one of the longest and most revered epics of ancient India, and explores the ways in which this epic continues to inspire and resonate. Tomassetti, whose artwork is deeply influenced by European and Italian Renaissance styles combined with Indian decorative elements, presents a vibrant and bold artistic interpretation of the Mahabharata.

The book showcases Tomassetti's large, vividly coloured paintings, each engaging with the themes and stories of the Mahabharata. The epic, originally inscribed by the sage Vyasa around 400 BCE, contains 1.8 million words and over 100,000 shlokas. Its narrative covers the great struggle for sovereignty between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, and at its core, it explores the concept of dharma (moral law). The moral dilemmas, the dramatic struggles, and the complex interactions between the characters of the Mahabharata are vividly portrayed through the artist’s dramatic imagery.

The suite of artworks is a spiritual journey through one of India’s most significant cultural and civilizational markers, shedding light on its timeless relevance and the underlying philosophical teachings. Tomassetti, also known as Jnananjana Dasa, weaves these themes into a visual narrative that bridges the epic's ancient roots with contemporary artistic expressions.