Discuss briefly the Mahabharata as a source of social history of the subcontinent from 600 BCE to 600 CE.
Mahabharata does provide us a view into the society of that period. Some of it are:
1. Patriliny- The idea of patriliney can be found in abundance within the epic, for example the very war that the two cousin fought was on the fued of who should get what. Pandavas claimed that they were rightful owner because there father was the rightful ruler enthroned by thier grandfather. Whereas kauravas believed that it was thiers because according to the law their father who was the eldest should have got it. There is no mention of women contending for the throne ever.
2. Varna and the Dharma- We also find ample mention of varna and its dharma. A person should follow what hi or her caste allows. The story of Eklavya, a Nishada is not permitted to learn archery by Drona because of his birth.
3. we also see how some norms are broken for example marriage between the similar caste, Bhima's marriage to Hidimba is one of the example.
4. Kinship ties are also mentioned profusely, where the decision of the elder is never questioned and followed closed eye.
Tips: -
Imp.
