Mahabharate Nimnabarga

• Author: দেবীদাস আচার্য (Debidas Acharya)
• Publisher: Ananda Publishers
• Language: Bengali
• Edition: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9789354253102
• Pages: 176
• Weight: 313 grams

Book Description:

মহাভারতে নিম্নবর্গ explores the lesser-known aspects of the Mahabharata by focusing on the lives of the lower classes, or the "Nimnabarga," within the context of the epic. Unlike the traditional portrayal of ancient epics, where the lives of common people are scarcely discussed, the Mahabharata presents a nuanced glimpse into the evolving social structure over centuries. This book seeks to illuminate the lives of marginalized communities in the Mahabharata, shedding light on their struggles and existence in an era marked by strict caste divisions.

The author examines how various tribes and castes are mentioned in the Mahabharata, many of whom were eventually absorbed into the larger Shudra community. Through an anthropological lens, this book offers insights into the life and challenges faced by these groups, with particular attention to how their lives are reflected in the religious codes and social customs embedded in the text. The rules and prohibitions found in the Mahabharata are not just theological prescriptions; they offer us glimpses into the everyday lives of those at the bottom of the social hierarchy.

The book argues that despite the apparent idealism in the epic, caste-based discrimination was deeply entrenched in society. The same social forces that perpetuated inequality in ancient India are still evident today. The inequalities that existed in the Mahabharata's world, based on caste, gender, and social standing, continue to haunt contemporary society, despite the advent of legal reforms.

Through this critical examination, মহাভারতে নিম্নবর্গ brings to the forefront the stark realities faced by the marginalized in the ancient text, offering an important perspective on how caste and social divisions shaped the past and continue to shape modern India.