The Geography of Mahabharata : A Geographical Journey into the Pandava Era (Volume I)
Both Volumes are the conclusion of the trilogy of books in the Geochronology of the Vedic and Aitihasic Periods by the author
Author: Jijith Nadumuri Ravi
Genre: Scriptures
Published by Notion Press India
Pages: 378
MRP: Rs. 599/-
The study of geography in the context of ancient Indian epics and their real rooted history, such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, holds immense significance. Descriptions of natural landscapes, rivers, and mountains mentioned in these epics offer a geographic perspective of ancient Bharat. The accurate depiction of various terrains lends credence to the argument that these epics were more than mere fictional tales. These epics provide valuable insights into the geographical knowledge of the time, helping us understand the names of tribes, people, and places in ancient India. Rivers like the Saraswati, Ganga, and Yamuna play pivotal roles in the narratives, and sacred sites are often associated with specific geographical features. The transfer of knowledge in the form of mantras is intricately linked to the land and its natural elements. Moreover, the epics portray a vast and diverse landscape, emphasizing the unity of Bharat beyond political boundaries. They depict not just a nation-state but an endless link of people, culture, and borderless unity. Studying the geography of our Indian history through these epics enriches our understanding of ancient civilization, cultural heritage, and the interconnectedness of land, people, and spirituality.
In this meticulously researched work, Jijith Nadumuri Ravi delves into the geographical and chronological aspects of the Pāṇḍava Era as described in the Mahābhārata. The book spans two volumes and forms the final part of the geochronological trilogy that includes the Ṛgveda and Rāmāyaṇa.
The author , Shri Jijith Nadumuri Ravi ji, is a former space scientist who has worked with ISRO and is currently working as an IT professional focusing on Generative AI based digital holograms and Extended reality. From his vast knowledge of the past about the Vedas, Itihasas and Puranas, he created a platform called Dharma Digital, where Devatas can interact with humans using Artifical Intelligence. He also has a blog called Ancient Voice, the world’s only Wiki website containing the full text of Ramayana, Mahabharata, the four Vedas and Vishnu Purana, with 25k+ pages and MILLIONS of inter-connecting hyperlinks.
As the author is a scientist, all his research is extremely scientific and data based. For these Volumes of the Geography of the Mahabharata, he has primarily used the Bori Critical Edition of the Mahabharata (MBH-CE), An English translation of the same by Shri Bibek Debroy ji is available to purchase everywhere. The author has used his scientific method and has come up with proper dating for both the events of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. He has positioned the Kurukshetra War to begin of 14th October 1793 BCE (Gregorian) and has given ample evidence and reasoning for the same. While the bulk of the Mahabharata is centered around the life of the Pandavas, this Ithihasa focuses on several others, including their ancestors and descendants, and the author has covered events about much more than the Pandavas.
What sets this book apart is its ability to connect the pearls of these ancient texts into a cohesive whole. Ravi sheds new light on characters like Hanumat and Paraśu Rāma, who are mentioned in both the Rāmāyaṇa and the Mahābhārata. He meticulously analyzes the entire 1995 Adhyāyas and 18 Parvas of the Mahābhārata, ensuring that no events in the life of the Pāṇḍavas are missed.
Additionally, the book covers intriguing sub-narratives embedded within the Mahābhārata, including those of Nala and Sāvitrī, as well as a concise version of the Rāmāyaṇa. Ravi also provides realistic ages for key figures such as the Pāṇḍavas, Bhīṣma, Droṇa, and Vyāsa, unraveling numerous puzzles and riddles from this ancient epic.
While at times Ravi's precise one-to-one mappings feel like a stretch, he generally offers multiple interpretations and explains his logic well. His exploration of the possible northern migrations implied by the epic's geographic details is intriguing.
As a reader, you’ll find yourself immersed in a trove of untapped insights, waiting for future scholars to explore further. This isn’t just a book; it’s a reservoir of wisdom that bridges the gap between mythology and historical reality.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a scholar, or simply curious about the ancient past, “The Geography of Mahabharata” promises enduring reference value and invites you to journey through the rich tapestry of India’s epic heritage.
My review of the Second Volume will be coming soon so please stay tuned for that.
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