question_answer

Explain how do the historians usually classify the contents of the present text of Mahabharata.

Answer:

Historians usually classify the contents of the present text under two broad heads:

1. Narrative: Sections that contain stories are classified as the narrative. E,g. Any dramatic episode such as plots of Duryodhana to kill Pandavas etc. are part of narrative.

2. Didactic: Didactic refers to something that is meant for purposes of instruction. Therefore sections that contain prescriptions about social norms are designated as didactic.

Though this division is not watertight and often didactic sections include stories as well as narratives often contain a social message.

Example: The most important didactic section of the Mahabharata is the Bhagavad Gita, which contains the advice offered by Lord Krishna to Arjuna regarding dharma and duty.

Historians also agree that the Mahabharata was meant to be a dramatic, moving story, and that the didactic portions were probably added later.