7 Interesting Retellings of Mahabharata You Can't Miss

Apr 25, 2025, 22:56 IST

Riya Teotia

Each of these retellings brings a fresh interpretation, often focusing on different characters or themes, providing readers with varied perspectives on the timeless epic.

The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

A retelling from Draupadi's perspective, this novel gives voice to one of the most important female characters in the Mahabharata, highlighting her emotions, desires, and struggles in a patriarchal society.

Parva by S. L. Bhyrappa

A critically acclaimed Kannada novel, Parva reinterprets the Mahabharata in a more realistic, humanist way* by stripping away the supernatural elements and focusing on the social, political, and human dimensions of the story.

Yuganta: The End of an Epoch by Irawati Karve

This analytical work explores the epic through the lens of sociology and human psychology. Karve examines the key characters from a more grounded, historical perspective, portraying them as flawed human beings.

Mrityunjaya: The Death Conqueror by Shivaji Sawant

This is a retelling of the Mahabharata from Karna's perspective, one of the most complex and tragic characters in the epic. It delves into his inner conflicts, struggles for recognition, and moral dilemmas.

The Difficulty of Being Good: On the Subtle Art of Dharma by Gurcharan Das

Gurcharan Das explores the ethical and moral dilemmas of the Mahabharata through a philosophical lens, focusing on how its lessons about dharma (duty) remain relevant today.

Moong Dal Chilla

Pancakes loaded with protein are cooked with spices and ground moong dal. Include a green chutney to enhance the taste.

And Now Let Me Sleep by Shashi Deshpande

A short retelling focusing on Bhishma's final moments, this novella reflects on his inner turmoil as he lies on the bed of arrows, giving readers a poignant view of this great character's choices and regrets.