The Mahabharata, Volume 4
Translated by Bibek Debroy

In Volume 4 of Bibek Debroy’s comprehensive English translation of The Mahabharata, the epic shifts into high gear with the intense and violent Kurukshetra War, which spans eighteen days and involves complex battle tactics, divine interventions, and moral conflicts. This volume covers some of the most dramatic and profound sections of the epic, capturing both the physical and emotional toll of war on all involved.

What This Volume Covers:

• Bhishma Parva (The Book of Bhishma): This section introduces the start of the Kurukshetra War. Bhishma, the grandsire, serves as the commander of the Kaurava forces, despite his love for the Pandavas. It also includes The Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna delivers his discourse to a hesitant Arjuna, imparting wisdom on duty, righteousness, and the nature of the self.
• Drona Parva (The Book of Drona): After Bhishma’s fall, Drona takes over as the Kaurava commander. This book details strategic battles and introduces complex ethical questions as Drona fights the Pandavas while bound by his own dharma as a teacher.

Key Features:

• The Bhagavad Gita: Arguably one of the most influential spiritual texts in the world, the Gita is a philosophical conversation between Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield. It provides insights into concepts of duty, detachment, and the soul’s immortality, and serves as a timeless guide on navigating moral dilemmas.
• Epic Battles and Tactics: Volume 4 describes the strategies and military tactics of both sides, with divine weapons, formations, and moments of intense heroism. The descriptions bring to life the legendary warriors and their unique fighting skills.
• Moral and Ethical Dilemmas: Both Bhishma Parva and Drona Parva highlight the ethical complexity of war, showing that even the noblest warriors struggle with choices that pit personal duty against loyalty and compassion.

Why Volume 4 is Significant:

The fourth volume immerses readers in the heart of the Mahabharata’s conflict, where each warrior’s principles and beliefs are tested. The inclusion of The Bhagavad Gita elevates this volume, offering deep philosophical reflections on life, purpose, and spirituality amid the brutal reality of war. This volume captures the Mahabharata’s exploration of human nature, making it a critical installment in Bibek Debroy’s translation series