Jaya by Devdutt Pattanaik - More than just a story!

"Jaya" by Devdutt Pattanaik - More than just a story!

This book is published by Penguin India in 2010 and has 372 pages.

Jaya, the itihas, is popularly known as Mahabharat. It's the story of Pandav's and Kaurav's, of Sri Krishna and Bhagwat Geeta, of victory of Dharm over adharm, and of the glorious 18 day war.

Popular Mahabharat starts from Shantanu, but author starts from Budha an Ila and continues to Dushyant Shakuntala then Yayati Devayani, Sharmishtha then Yadu and then Shantanu. Similarly story does not end with Yudhishthir reaching swarg but with him achieving Jaya.

Author tells us this known story in his style. He narrates the story chapter wise and then provides his commentary and analysis at the end of each chapter. This commentary is insightful. He  analyzes the events of the chapter from logical, social and philosophical point of view. (e. g. How the story of shakuntala changed from Mahabharat to Kalidas based on prevailing social practices or Edipus complex VS Yayati complex). Author refers to a number of folk tales across India and neighbouring countries like Indonesia as well as artistic literature to corroborate his deductions or to emphasize a point. 

Author makes some important points:

Philosophy of veda's was not to aspire or achieve but to introspect.

Dharma is not about defeating others but about conquering ourselves. 

India is originator of board games where only luck rules (snakes and ladders), where luck and intelligence rules (Chausar) and where only intelligence rules (Chess).

Disrobing of Draupadi represents collapse of a civilization, fall of Dharma.

In Mahabharat forests are not inky lands but the represent unknown, untamed part of mind. Rishis were the first to explore them. They created trails that connected caves and water bodies. Then it becomes safe for common man to inhibit. These are metaphors for taming of mind.

It's a good read that gives you knowledge about Mahabharat and more. However, you should have patience to read the known story again. 

Why did I read this book? Author and Story. 

What did I like? Commentary. 

What I didn't like? Nothing. 

Recommend reading so that you can look at it as more than just a story.