TryGOLD- Free

PASSAGES FROM INDIA

The Independent|August 12, 2023
From The Independent archive: Alice Albinia on the ‘Mahabharata’, the ancient Indian epic that contains so much of the world within its pages, it takes a lifetime to read
- Alice Albinia
PASSAGES FROM INDIA

One of the longest books in the world, the Mahabharata tells the story of a country, a culture and a family tearing itself apart.

In ancient India, it was said that nothing exists which is not within its pages. This hubristic claim hints at the fatigue which sets in if you try to absorb it in one go. The epic is best read piecemeal, over several years, even a lifetime. The Kolkata publisher, P Lal, spent his entire career “transcreating” the epic. The University of Chicago translator, JAB van Buitenen, died on the job. RK Narayan took a more relaxed approach, abridging it into one volume, as did the Cambridge Sanskritist, John D Smith.

This story is from the August 12, 2023 edition of The Independent.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

PASSAGES FROM INDIA
Gold Icon

This story is from the August 12, 2023 edition of The Independent.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE INDEPENDENTView All
Fans turn on Postecoglu as Spurs capitulate at Chelsea
The Independent

Fans turn on Postecoglu as Spurs capitulate at Chelsea

Somehow, a match-week that started with Chelsea selling a football team to themselves ends with an even greater level of farce.

time-read
4 mins  |
April 04, 2025
'It was important to stop surviving and start living'
The Independent

'It was important to stop surviving and start living'

Katya, a former medic, was shattered by the horrors of war in Ukraine. Now, thanks to pioneering ketamine therapy, she is finding hope again along with hundreds of other veterans

time-read
5 mins  |
April 04, 2025
The new emoji that's giving teens more reasons to panic
The Independent

The new emoji that's giving teens more reasons to panic

As parents are only just realising what the red pill means on social media, generational expert Chloe Combi discovers another marketing tool that’s keeping Snapchat users hooked

time-read
5 mins  |
April 04, 2025
The Grand National faces its most daunting obstacle
The Independent

The Grand National faces its most daunting obstacle

The world’s biggest race is under threat like never before and the new, less risky version is in danger of losing its appeal

time-read
5 mins  |
April 04, 2025
'Rats are wandering round and I can see the pigeons picking through the trash'
The Independent

'Rats are wandering round and I can see the pigeons picking through the trash'

Birmingham residents urge council to settle bin strike as rubbish piles high on streets, fueling fears of fire and disease

time-read
3 mins  |
April 04, 2025
Russia bans 'undesirable' Elton John Aids Foundation
The Independent

Russia bans 'undesirable' Elton John Aids Foundation

Russia has banned the Elton John Aids Foundation, claiming it undermines traditional spiritual and moral values”.

time-read
1 min  |
April 04, 2025
Workers expose grim reality of life inside NHS buildings
The Independent

Workers expose grim reality of life inside NHS buildings

A new survey of nearly 9,000 staff reports vermin, sewage leaks, faulty lighting, broken toilets and decaying ceilings

time-read
3 mins  |
April 04, 2025
These tariffs aren't meant to separate good and bad guys
The Independent

These tariffs aren't meant to separate good and bad guys

Even before Donald Trump had finished reading out his tariff scorecard in the White House Rose Garden, the viewers who included government officials all over the world were trying to figure out the rationale. And, as with scores on the Eurovision Song Contest, to which this live show bore some resemblance, there was much reading of political runes.

time-read
4 mins  |
April 04, 2025
Trump is playing dangerous games with the US economy
The Independent

Trump is playing dangerous games with the US economy

Donald Trump says that Americans have been “plundered”, raped” and scavenged” by “foreign cheaters” for decades. Such bizarre, violent language. So unpresidential. And plain wrong.

time-read
5 mins  |
April 04, 2025
Trump closes tax loophole in blow to fast fashion firms
The Independent

Trump closes tax loophole in blow to fast fashion firms

Donald Trump has signed an executive order to shut down a trade loophole known as de minimis” that has allowed lowvalue packages from China and Hong Kong to enter the US free of duties.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 04, 2025

We use cookies to provide and improve our services. By using our site, you consent to cookies. Learn more