Mahabharata Terms

A boon is a special gift from a god, usually to a mortal, similar to a wish or a miracle. Many figures in the Mahabharata receive boons that affect the plot, like Bhishma’s boon… read analysis of Boon

Brahman (not to be confused with Brahmin or Brahma) refers to the state of reality and the infinite nature of the universe. read analysis of Brahman

Brahmins are one of the four main classes in society. They are priests and generally considered the most desirable class. Although nonviolence is important to many Brahmins, there are also warrior Brahmins who use their… read analysis of Brahmin

Dharma is a Sanskrit word without a simple English translation that means something like “duty,” “obligation,” or even “fate.” In general, the virtuous characters in the Mahabharata try to act according to dharma while the… read analysis of Dharma

A Rakshasha is a type of demon. Most harass humans and even feed on the corpses of the dead, but some, like the half-Rakshasa Ghatotkaca, are noble. read analysis of Rakshasha

Sudras are one of the four main classes in society. Typically ranked least important, they are common workers. read analysis of Sudra

Sutas are the children of a Kshatriya father and a Brahmin mother. They have a reputation as storytellers, and the narrator Ugraśravas is a prominent example of a Suta in the poem. read analysis of Suta

Vaiśyas are one of the four main classes in society. Typically ranked third, they include merchants and farmers. read analysis of Vaiśyas

Vedas are a large body of religious texts and the oldest surviving Hindu scriptures. According to tradition, Vyasa, who appears in the Mahabharata, compiled these writings, and other figures in the poem sometimes make… read analysis of Vedas

A ritual in the Hindu religion, śraddha is a way for people to honor, thank, and remember their deceased ancestors. read analysis of Śraddha