The Mahabharata (10 vol Box Set)

I bought this box set when it was heavily discounted at around $60-ish dollars. Worth every penny. It would also be worth the full price. Bibek Debroy's translation of the Mahabharata is excellent, approachable for a layman, and based on standard and very well researched scholarly works. It's as readable as you may expect a religious tome to be. ...and a tome, it is. It's just shy of 6000 pages, around 2 million words, covering hundreds of chapters and tens of thousands of shlokas (stanzas), according to the author's introduction. It is not presented in a poetic fashion, but rather as more of a novel. There is no Sanskrit text, and, unfortunately, no diacritical marks, either. This is the sole issue I have with this translation, with the goal of approachability, the author abandoned a small touch of accuracy in eschewing the IAST that is all but ubiquitous in even a $5 Gita Press translation of the Ramcharitmanas. This makes it easy to conflate names that are spelled the same in this translation but would be obviously different from one another in a different tranlsation. The author has done an excellent job of clarifying this in the footnotes (of which there are several per page, his commentary is excellent and straightforward). Not only has this work helped strengthen my faith in and knowledge of the origins of Sanatana Dharma, it inspired me to purchase several of Debroy's other works, a bundle of the shorter Vedas for Kindle, and a box set copy of the Ramayana. It is a shame he passed away and will not have the opportunity to finish the Puranas. The quality of the printing itself is standard for Penguin Books, though i may venture to say the pages are a little thinner than what would be found in the US. This may entirely be due to the fact there are so many of them, the entire box set weighs 10-20 lbs, easily. Having seen how small the Bhagavad-gita really is in comparison, it paints its own picture of how impactful and influential that tiny chapter of this massive epic has been on both Hinduism and global culture. If there is peace to be found, may you find some of it reading these words.

Overview The Mahabharata (10-Volume Box Set) is a monumental literary masterpiece that brings together one of the greatest epics of all time in a detailed, unabridged, and scholarly translation. This set is an essential addition to any collection for readers who appreciate classical literature, Indian philosophy, mythology, or history. Whether you are a seasoned scholar, an enthusiast of Hindu epics, or a newcomer to this grand narrative, this box set provides an in-depth, immersive experience into the world of the Mahabharata. Content & Translation Quality This 10-volume edition is among the most authoritative English translations of the Mahabharata, offering a faithful and meticulously detailed rendering of the original Sanskrit text. Depending on the publisher (e.g., the Clay Sanskrit Library, Gita Press, or Bibek Debroy’s translation), this version provides either direct translations from the Sanskrit shlokas or detailed expositions with commentary. The language is precise and well-structured, making it accessible to both general readers and academic audiences. Unlike condensed versions that omit crucial sections, this complete translation retains all episodes, including subtler philosophical discourses, genealogies, rituals, and narratives that often get sidelined in summarized versions. Each volume is carefully organized, ensuring smooth continuity across the 18 parvas (books) and the supplementary Harivamsa (considered the appendix of the Mahabharata). This structure ensures that the reader experiences the epic in its fullest, most detailed form. Physical Quality & Presentation The box set itself is a work of art. The hardcover binding (or high-quality paperback, depending on the edition) ensures durability, while the elegant slipcase keeps the books protected and beautifully displayed on any bookshelf. The printing quality is exceptional, with clear fonts, well-spaced text, and sometimes illustrations or footnotes that add to the reading experience. Each volume typically contains: ✔ Well-structured chapters that mirror the Sanskrit original ✔ Footnotes and explanations that clarify cultural, linguistic, and philosophical nuances ✔ Genealogical charts and appendices that help readers keep track of the complex family ties and historical contexts ✔ A comprehensive index, making it easier to reference key characters, themes, and events Depth of Storytelling & Themes The Mahabharata is not just a war epic; it is a vast ocean of knowledge, ethics, and human emotions. This version provides a deeply immersive reading experience, covering: ✔ The Kurukshetra War, one of the greatest battles in mythological history ✔ Philosophy, morality, and duty (dharma), with profound discussions, including the Bhagavad Gita ✔ Intricate character arcs, from the righteousness of Yudhishthira to the tragic destiny of Karna and the tactical brilliance of Krishna ✔ Mythological narratives, interwoven with cosmic origins, divine interventions, and supernatural occurrences ✔ Political intrigue and strategy, as seen in the power struggles between the Pandavas and Kauravas This edition does justice to the grandeur of the Mahabharata by ensuring that every philosophical discourse, dramatic event, and moral lesson remains intact. Who Should Read This? This 10-volume set is ideal for: ✔ Serious readers of mythology and Indian epics ✔ Scholars and researchers studying ancient texts and Hindu philosophy ✔ Spiritual seekers exploring dharma and karmic principles ✔ Lovers of historical fiction and grand narratives ✔ Anyone looking for a deeper understanding of Indian culture and traditions Pros & Cons ✅ Pros: ✔️ Unabridged and scholarly translation, ensuring accuracy and depth ✔️ High-quality binding and print, making it a durable collector’s item ✔️ Detailed footnotes, commentary, and indexes for deeper comprehension ✔️ Retains the grandeur and complexity of the original epic ✔️ A complete literary and philosophical experience ❌ Cons: ➖ Requires commitment due to its length and depth ➖ Some editions may use archaic English, making certain sections difficult for modern readers ➖ Expensive, though justified for the sheer volume and quality of content Final Verdict The Mahabharata (10-Volume Box Set) is the ultimate version of this timeless epic, delivering rich storytelling, deep philosophy, and historical grandeur in a format that is both scholarly and accessible. Whether you seek literary brilliance, spiritual wisdom, or historical insight, this box set is a treasure trove of knowledge that belongs in every serious reader’s collection. ⭐ Rating: 9.8/10 – A literary masterpiece that stands the test of time!

Beautiful prose - looking forward to revisiting the stories of Mahabharata. The paper and binding is of great quality.

WOW! I love reading books from other cultures and this did not disappoint. Halfway through the set and love it! Took Vol. 1 with me to the hospital after a fall, and the next four volumes went with me to rehab at a nursing home. Recommend for readers with patience and a love of detail.

There have been many translations of the Mahabharata, but this one by Debroy, published by Penguin India, stands out for its clarity and readability. It avoids the older Victorian style of English (in case of Ganguli's), which can be hard for modern readers, and it also leaves out Sanskrit transliteration, making the text more accessible to a wider audience. As someone who frequently buys books online, I’ve usually been happy with the quality of what I receive. However, I’ve had mixed experiences with Penguin India’s locally printed editions in the past—often finding the ink smudged and the paper quality lacking. On the other hand, Penguin’s imported editions from the UK or US have always impressed me with their excellent production standards. Because of this, I was hesitant to purchase this edition, especially considering the price (₹2500). But I’m glad I took the chance. While the paper quality could still be improved, it’s much better than what I’ve seen before. The book set came well-packaged in two layers—the outer box had some minor damage, but the inner box was in good condition, and the ten volumes inside were well-protected. Overall, I’m quite satisfied with this edition. The translation is reader-friendly, and the production quality is decent. A good choice for anyone looking to explore the Mahabharata in a modern and approachable form.

I like the quality of the books, which come in a convenient display case. I also like the fact that the seller managed to get the book set safely from India to Canada within two weeks. I look forward to reading Bibek Deboy's translation of this great work. Penguin is famous for for publishing excellent English translations.

This a great translation of the Mahabharata, following on the BORI edition exactly and without any interpretation and retelling by the author. Many other translations are a loose retelling with embellishments and additions such as Ramesh Menons fantasy-genre version. This is one is as close to the original Sanskrit as you can get and is very readable. Swestbooks, the seller was brilliant. Item arrived sooner than predicted, very reasonably priced and was well packaged. Would recommend seller and book both.

Edición completa en Inglés a un precio muy economico. Si buscar los libros por separado sale mucho mas caro y puede que no todos los volúmenes sean de la misma edición. En español existe una versión completa, la única y es una traducción argentina que no està en amazon. Normalmente se puede comprar a través de la casa del Tibet, almenos en Barcelona. Igualmente el precio por volúmes es Caro. Esta Edición es de una calidad media, però mas que acceptable y por menos de 100€. La caja de cartón es robusta Contento con el producto y el envío

I just got my hands on this amazing collection 😍 It's my long awaited set, and I finally have it with me, although got it at a higher price of 3.2k, but from the past reviews, I feel it's going to be worth it.