How Many Days Mahabharata War?
The Mahabharata war, also known as the Great War of India, is one of the most significant events in Hindu mythology. It is a legendary war that took place between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, two groups of cousins who were the descendants of the king Shantanu and the goddess Ganga. The war is described in the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, which is one of the longest and most revered epics in the world.
The Question of Duration
One of the most debated and intriguing questions about the Mahabharata war is its duration. How many days did the war last? This question has been a subject of discussion and debate among scholars, historians, and mythologists for centuries. The answer to this question is crucial in understanding the scale and magnitude of the war, as well as its impact on Indian history and culture.
The Traditional Answer
According to the traditional account of the Mahabharata war, it lasted for 18 days. This is mentioned in the epic itself, as well as in other ancient Indian texts such as the Harivamsa and the Bhagavata Purana. The 18-day duration of the war is widely accepted by scholars and is considered to be a fundamental aspect of the Mahabharata narrative.
The Calculation
So, how did the ancient Indians calculate the duration of the war? According to the Mahabharata, the war began on the 10th day of the Hindu month of Ashvina (which corresponds to September-October in the Gregorian calendar) and ended on the 27th day of the same month. This means that the war lasted for 17 days, not 18. However, the 18th day is mentioned in the epic as a day of great mourning and celebration, when the Pandavas returned to their kingdom after their victory.
The Variations
Despite the traditional account of the 18-day war, there are variations and contradictions in the different versions of the Mahabharata. Some versions, such as the critical edition of the Mahabharata, suggest that the war lasted for 16 days, while others, such as the Bengali version of the Mahabharata, claim that it lasted for 20 days.
The Historical Context
It is important to note that the Mahabharata war is not a historical event in the modern sense. It is a legendary war that is meant to convey moral and spiritual lessons, rather than a historical fact. However, the war is set against the backdrop of a real historical period, and many of the characters and events mentioned in the epic are believed to be based on real people and events.
The Archaeological Evidence
Recent archaeological discoveries have shed new light on the historical context of the Mahabharata war. Excavations at the site of Dwaraka, which is believed to be the kingdom of the Pandavas, have uncovered evidence of a major city that was destroyed around 1500 BCE. This date is consistent with the traditional account of the Mahabharata war, which is believed to have taken place around 3200 BCE.
The Table
Here is a table summarizing the different versions of the Mahabharata war:
| Version | Duration |
|---|---|
| Traditional | 18 days |
| Critical Edition | 16 days |
| Bengali Version | 20 days |
| Archaeological Evidence | 1500 BCE (approximate date of destruction of Dwaraka) |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mahabharata war is a legendary event that is shrouded in mystery and controversy. While the traditional account suggests that the war lasted for 18 days, there are variations and contradictions in different versions of the epic. Archaeological evidence suggests that the war may have taken place around 1500 BCE, but the exact duration of the war remains a subject of debate and speculation. Ultimately, the Mahabharata war is a powerful symbol of the eternal struggle between good and evil, and its significance extends far beyond the boundaries of time and space.
