Mahabharate Hingsar Rajniti

• Author: দেবীদাস আচার্য (Debidas Acharya)
• Publisher: Ananda Publishers
• Language: Bengali
• Edition: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9789354259241
• Pages: 204
• Weight: 365 grams

Book Description:

মহাভারতে হিংসার রাজনীতি critically examines the intricate interplay of politics and violence in the Mahabharata, one of the greatest epics of Indian literature. While the epic is often celebrated for its profound philosophical teachings and moral dilemmas, this book focuses on how violence pervades the political and ethical landscape of the story. In the Mahabharata, non-violence is merely a potential, while violence is a harsh, inescapable reality.

Nearly all the key figures in the Mahabharata, including Krishna himself, use violence as a means to achieve their personal and political goals. The book also highlights the dichotomy between theoretical ethics and practical politics, where even in the Bhagavad Gita, the discourse on duty and righteousness justifies actions like fratricide and genocide in the name of dharma (righteousness).

The author reflects on how the Mahabharata's portrayal of political dynamics – where violence is sanctioned under the guise of social governance – continues to resonate in modern political contexts. From monarchies of the past to contemporary democracies, the book suggests that violence still plays a significant role in shaping political strategies and justifications.

In today's political landscape, where violence often becomes a tool to gain power or suppress dissent, this study draws compelling parallels between the ancient narrative of the Mahabharata and the violent political realities of modern-day India, making the discussion highly relevant for contemporary readers.