Reimagining a Mahabharata Episode: Reflecting the Current State of Bharath

Preamble

MT Vasudevan Nair's literary masterpiece 'Randamoozham' (Second Turn), a Malayalam-language novel, retells the Mahabharata epic through the eyes of Bhima. This innovative approach has garnered critical acclaim and widespread readership, solidifying MT's status as a literary giant in Malayalam literature.

In this blog, I have attempted to re-envision a single episode from the Mahabharata, drawing parallels between the epic's characters and events with the current political landscape of India.

This retelling of the Indraprastha episode in the Mahabharata epic chronicles the transformation of our nation since 2014, evolving from its comparatively barren state under the Congress party's rule for more than 54 years since Independence, into a modern state and an economic superpower.

Indraprastha Image copyright © 2025 wisdomlib

In the Indraprastha episode, a pivotal moment showcasing the contrasting values and personalities of the Pandavas and Kauravas, the Pandavas transformed the barren land of Khandavaprastha into the prosperous and wealthy city of Indraprastha, resembling a heavenly abode.

The Rise of Indraprastha

After years of exile, the Pandavas, led by Yudhishthira, were granted the barren land of Khandavaprastha. With the help of Lord Krishna and the divine architect Vishwakarma, they transformed it into a magnificent city, Indraprastha. Indraprastha was a city of wonders, a marvel of engineering and architecture. It boasted advanced infrastructure, luxurious palaces, and stunning gardens. Soon Pandavas' wealth and power grew significantly and Indraprastha turned into a prosperous and wealthy city that resembled a heavenly abode.

On an invitation by Yudhishthira to witness the grandeur of the city, Duryodhana, the eldest of the Kauravas, visited Indraprastha with his brother, Dushasana. Overwhelmed by the opulence and splendor of Indraprastha, Duryodhana became consumed by envy and jealousy. He was particularly awestruck by the palace's illusory features, designed by Maya, the architect of the gods.

During the visit, Duryodhana, blinded by jealousy and unable to distinguish illusion from reality, mistook a polished marble floor for a pool of water and fell into it. This incident, known as "Sthala Jala Brahmam" (confusion between land and water), highlighted his arrogance and inability to appreciate the Pandavas' achievements.

The Indraprastha episode serves as a turning point in the narrative. It further fueled Duryodhana's animosity towards the Pandavas, ultimately leading to the tragic events of the Kurukshetra War. It also symbolizes the dangers of envy, greed, and the inability to accept the success of others.

This episode provides a significant insight into the characters of Duryodhana and the Pandavas, and the underlying themes of the Mahabharata, such as the importance of humility, acceptance, and the destructive nature of envy.

Introducing New Characters and Settings

Let's recount this incident with a fresh perspective to reflect the current state of Bharath. We'll start by introducing the modern-day characters and places.

The Pandavas are represented by the leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). They include Narendra Modi, Raj Nath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, JP Nadda, Shivraj Chouhan, Nirmala Sitharaman, S Jaishankar, Piyush Goyal, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Kiren Rijiju, Hardeep Singh Puri...

Yudhishthira is a central character in the epic Mahabharata. He is the eldest of the five Pandava brothers, and is known for his righteousness, leadership, and moral integrity. Arjuna, one of the five Pandava brothers, is a main protagonist of the epic Mahābhārata. He is famous for his archery (he can shoot with either hand) and for the magical weapons that he wins from the god Shiva.

In our narrative, Yudhishthira is symbolized by Narendra Modi and Arjuna represents his professional band of cabinet ministers, all of them selfless workers, experienced in bureaucracy and politics.

The Kauravas are represented by the leaders of Congress party-led Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.). The main characters are Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Prakash Karat, Arvind Kejriwal, Akhilesh Yadav, Mamata Banerjee, M. K. Stalin, Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Hemant Soren, Farooq Abdullah, Doraisamy Raja, Mehbooba Mufti...

Duryodhana is symbolized by Rahul Gandhi representing the Gandhi family and Karna representing the fiercely loyal senior Congress leaders, whose only ideology is the blind support to the Gandhi family.

Image credit: The Web

The Indraprastha Palace is symbolized by the modern India, consisting of the newly built Ayodhya Temple complex on the banks of the Saryu River, the newly renovated Kashi Vishvanath Temple in Varanasi (Benaras or Kashi), the modern city of Prayagraj, the site of the Maha Kumbh Mela, and various other magnificent structures built across the nation.

India's biggest and most important religious festival, the Maha Kumbh Mela will be held from 13 Jan to 26 Feb 2025 at Prayagraj over a period of six weeks. Kumbh Mela occurs every three years in four riverside pilgrimage sites: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. However, Maha Kumbh Mela is organized every twelve years, only in Prayagraj. Nearly 400 million pilgrims are set to attend the 2025 Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, compared to the world's largest religious gathering of 250 million in Ardh Kumbh Mela of 2019.

Image Credit: The Web

The New Narrative

In the Mahabharata, Duryodhana's visit to the Indraprastha palace, built by the Pandavas, is a significant turning point. Dazzled by the opulence and grandeur of the city, Duryodhana becomes overwhelmed and loses touch with reality. The Pandavas, with the help of Lord Krishna, had built an extraordinary city. It boasted advanced infrastructure, dazzling architecture, and unparalleled wealth.

The modern day Indraprastha includes world-class airports, modern railway stations, an extensive and technologically advanced rail network, the world's most powerful hydrogen fuel-run engines, high-speed and luxurious Vande Bharath train services, numerous iconic bridges each of which are engineering marvels, and the second-largest road network in the world, among others. 

Digital Infrastructure of India

The modern India has a remarkable digital infrastructure. The Digital India program, launched in 2015, has transformed the country into a digitally-empowered society and knowledge economy. Some notable achievements are:

• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), featuring systems like Aadhaar and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) that revolutionized governance by promoting financial inclusion, transparency, and efficiency.

• The flagship BharatNet initiative that connects over 600,000 villages with high-speed internet, significantly promoting rural digital inclusion.

• The launch of 5G Services marking a significant milestone, enhancing telecom capabilities and supporting innovations like cloud computing and AI.

• Growth in Cloud Services, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS), that enables businesses to scale quickly and efficiently. These services are crucial for start-ups and businesses facing fluctuating demands.

India continues to be a model for leveraging digital infrastructure for socio-economic transformation, inspiring other developing countries to adopt similar systems.

The technology-driven government of modern India has presented UPI digital payment system as a marvel for the world on how technology can be democratized. Using UPI, in just thirty seconds, the Government directly transfers money into the accounts of 100 million farmers. And sends subsidies to 130 million LPG cylinder consumers with just one click in 30 seconds. Thus, by efficiently using technology, billions of Rupees that were being siphoned out due to corruption are now saved.

Economic Growth of India

India, officially known as the Republic of India, operates as a federal democracy comprising 28 states and 8 union territories. With a population surpassing 1.4 billion, today it stands as the world's largest democracy and ranks as the 5th largest economy globally. Over the past decade, India has witnessed significant economic growth, establishing itself as a prominent global player. Its integration into the global economy has been marked by impressive achievements, including its transformation into an agricultural powerhouse and becoming a net exporter of food. Despite global challenges, the Indian economy has continued to grow at a healthy pace in recent years. In the financial year 2023, India's per capita income reached nearly 2 lakh, a substantial increase from Rs 71,609 in the financial year 2012, signifying a 175% growth over the last decade.

Gandhi Family Avarice

Duryodhana (Gandhi family), consumed by envy and greed, was unable to appreciate the Pandavas' (Modi government's) achievements. Gandhi family viewed Indraprastha (the modern India) as a threat to their own power and a constant reminder of their own inadequacies.

Overwhelmed by the sheer scale and magnificence of the city (advanced India), Duryodhana (Gandhi family) lost perspective. They became blinded by their own jealousy and greed, unable to see the beauty and ingenuity of the Pandavas' (Modi government's) splendid creations.

Duryodhana's (Gandhi family's) experience symbolizes the dangers of allowing envy and greed to cloud one's judgment. They allowed their selfish desires to distort their perception of reality, leading them to make disastrous decisions that ultimately led to their downfall.

This episode highlights the importance of maintaining perspective, overcoming envy, and appreciating the achievements of others.

In the Mahabharata, when Duryodhana (Gandhi family) visits the magnificent city of Indraprastha (progressive India) built by the Pandavas (Modi government) they experience a state of confusion akin to ‘Sthala Jala Brahmam’.This Sanskrit term roughly translates to "confusion between land and water." It describes a state of delusion where one cannot distinguish between reality and illusion.

Dazzled by the opulence and grandeur of Indraprastha, Duryodhana becomes completely overwhelmed. He is so consumed by envy and jealousy that he loses all sense of perspective. He mistakes a shimmering marble floor for a pool of water and stumbles into it, much to the amusement of the Pandavas.

This incident highlights how Duryodhana's greed and jealousy clouded his judgment, leading him to lose touch with reality. He was so blinded by his own desires that he couldn't appreciate the magnificence of Indraprastha or acknowledge the Pandavas' achievements.

The concept of 'Sthala Jala Brahmam' emphasizes the importance of maintaining clarity of mind and not allowing emotions like envy and greed to distort one's perception of reality.

Subservient Congress Leaders

The senior Congress leaders resemble the complex character of Karna, often seen as a tragic hero rather than a simple villain. While Karna consistently sided with Duryodhana and the Kauravas, his motivations and actions are nuanced and open to interpretation. Just as Karna was fiercely loyal to Duryodhana, the senior Congress leaders are subservient to the Gandhi family. This loyalty, often misplaced, highlights their willingness to obey the Gandhi family unquestioningly.

Karna was renowned for his generosity and was known as "Daanveer Karna" (the great giver) for his charitable nature and willingness to help his protector Duryodhana at any cost. Just as Karna was an exceptional warrior, arguably as skilled as Arjuna, the bravery and fighting prowess of the Congress leaders on the battlefield are undeniable.

Karna was a victim of circumstances, born out of wedlock, and faced social ostracization. This tragic backstory shaped his personality and influenced his choices. Similarly, the Congress leaders often faced social ostracization due to their corrupt behavior.

In the epic, Karna consistently sided with Duryodhana, who pursued unjust and immoral goals, by following the path of Adharma. In a similar manner, by supporting the Gandhi family, the Congress leaders actively participated in acts of injustice and corruption.

Karna's pride and arrogance often clouded his judgment. Similarly, Congress leaders were unwilling to acknowledge their mistakes and often resorted to boasting and insults. His unwavering loyalty to Duryodhana blinded him to the truth and prevented him from recognizing the righteousness of the Pandavas' cause. Congress leaders' unwavering loyalty to Gandhi family blinded them to the truth and prevented them from recognizing the righteousness of the Modi government's numerous social welfare schemes designed to improve the general public’s well-being.

Ultimately, Karna's character is a subject of much debate and interpretation. He is a complex figure who embodies both heroic and villainous qualities. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of misplaced loyalty, the importance of recognizing and correcting one's mistakes, and the consequences of choosing the path of adharma (unrighteousness). The Congress leaders, embodying both the heroic and villainous qualities of Karna, depict the cautionary tale about the dangers of misplaced loyalty to the Gandhi family, and will remain as a subject of much debate and interpretation in India's history.

PM Modi and His Cabinet

Both Yudhishthira and Arjuna embody different aspects of heroism in the Mahabharata, making them both worthy contenders.

As the eldest Pandava, Yudhishthira displayed exemplary leadership qualities. Yudhishthira's unwavering adherence to Dharma, even when it brought him personal suffering, serves as a powerful moral compass for the epic. Following the path of Yudhishthira, Modi is often considered the embodiment of Dharma (righteousness). He adhered to his principles with unwavering commitment, even when faced with immense adversity.

Today, India's Prime Minister Modi is widely recognized for his leadership on both national and international stages. Much like Yudhishthira, as the leader of the ruling government, PM Modi is just, compassionate, and committed to upholding the truth. Even his fiercest critics across the political spectrum acknowledge his unquestioned integrity. He is quoted as saying:

"Good governance with good intentions is the hallmark of our government. Implementation with integrity is our core passion."

Arjuna was an exceptional warrior, arguably the greatest of his time. His archery skills were legendary, and he played a pivotal role in the Pandavas' victory in the Kurukshetra War. Arjuna dedicated himself to rigorous training and self-improvement, mastering various forms of warfare and archery. He exemplifies the importance of discipline and dedication in achieving one's goals.

Image credit: The Web

As explained above, Arjuna symbolizes Modi’s council of ministers, all of them well educated and experienced professionals, like Dr. S Jaishankar - Minister of External Affairs, MA, MPhil, PhD; Nirmala Sitharaman - Minister of Finance & Minister of Corporate Affairs, MA Economics JNU, Senior Manager R&D Price Waterhouse, London; Ashwini Vaishnaw - Minister of Railways, Minister of Communications & Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, MBA Wharton School, M Tech IIT Kanpur. IAS 1994 batch; Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of Science and Technology, MBBS, MD, PhD; Jyotiraditya Scindia - Minister of Civil Aviation & Minister of Steel, Graduate from Harvard; MBA Stanford.

Ultimately, both Yudhishthira and Arjuna embody different facets of heroism. Yudhishthira embodies the virtues of righteousness, justice, and unwavering adherence to Dharma, while Arjuna represents the pinnacle of martial prowess and spiritual growth. The council of ministers showcases the multifaceted nature of hard work and heroism in their respective paths to achieving greatness.

Bhishma and the RSS Movement

The elderly sage Bhishma played a pivotal and complex role in the epic Mahabharata. Bhishma's character is complex and multifaceted. He is a symbol of loyalty, duty, and sacrifice, but also a figure who grapples with the complexities of moral dilemmas and the limitations of adhering to rigid vows.

Bhishma served as a wise counselor and regent to the Kaurava kings, guiding them on matters of governance and statecraft. He was highly respected for his wisdom, experience, and impartial judgment. He served as the supreme commander of the Kaurava army during the Kurukshetra War. Despite his personal inclination towards righteousness and his fondness for the Pandavas, Bhishma was bound by his oath to serve the Kaurava kings, even when he knew their actions were unjust.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) undertakes diverse functions centered on nation-building and socio-cultural development. The RSS endeavors to preserve and promote India's rich cultural heritage, traditions, and values. The organization is committed to nation-building, the overall development and progress of India. This includes promoting unity and social cohesion across diverse communities. As part of selfless service to society, RSS engages in community service projects, disaster relief efforts, and educational programs. The RSS focuses on character building through physical fitness, moral values, and discipline. It conducts daily shakhas (meetings) in thousands of locations across India to train its members. This multifaceted approach highlights the RSS's enduring influence in shaping Indian society.

Image Credit: The Web

The relationship between the RSS and the Congress has been complex and multifaceted since India's Independence. Despite their ideological differences, there have been instances where the RSS supported the Congress government. For example, during the Chinese aggression, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru acknowledged the services rendered by the RSS and even invited them to participate in the 1963 Republic Day parade. Additionally, after the assassination of Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi reportedly had secret meetings with RSS chief Balasaheb Deoras, resulting in RSS cadre supporting the Congress in the 1984 Lok Sabha elections.

However, it's important to note that the Congress has also periodically enacted bans aimed at the RSS, challenging its influence within India. This dynamic relationship has seen moments of cooperation and conflict, reflecting the broader political landscape of the country.

RSS showed great pragmatism by backing Modi as the BJP's PM candidate in the 2014 elections and BJP came to power as the first single-party majority in India’s parliament in three decades. Since then, the Modi government is successfully reshaping Indian society, secularism, economics, and foreign policy.

Since Narendra Modi was sworn in as the Prime Minister of India in 2014, RSS has been playing its role as the elderly sage Bhishma, advising the Modi government and guiding them on matters of governance and statecraft. In return, the Modi government has enacted several priorities of the RSS, including criminalizing the practice of triple talaq, and revoking Article 370 of the Constitution of India, which granted autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, abrogating its statehood.

The Foreign Policy of Bharath

The Mahabharata portrays the Pandavas as skilled diplomats who cultivated strong relationships with other kingdoms. The Pandavas were guided by the principles of Dharma (righteousness) in their foreign policy. Through emissaries and diplomatic missions, Pandavas sought to maintain peaceful relations with other kingdoms and gain their support. They formed crucial alliances with other kingdoms, particularly during their exile and in preparation for the Kurukshetra War. Pandavas key allies included Krishna and the Yadavas; Drupada, King of Panchala; Virata, King of Matsya.

One of the notable aspects of contemporary India is its foreign policy, which is a significant contributor to the country's current standing on the world stage. During the last ten years, PM Modi has traveled extensively, engaging with global leaders and introducing innovative ideas to Indian foreign policy, thereby repositioning India within the evolving global landscape. 

India's foreign policy has been pivotal in addressing domestic priorities like 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. 'Make in India' is a government initiative to encourage both domestic and foreign companies to manufacture their products in India. The 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' campaign aims to create a self-reliant India by boosting domestic production, reducing dependence on imports, and fostering economic growth through support for various sectors, especially manufacturing and MSMEs.

Image Credit: The Web

Together with the Prime Minister, our External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar, has played a crucial role in shaping and implementing a new vision for India's foreign policy. His exemplary scholarship in International relations and his extensive experience as a career diplomat have stood the test of time. He frequently makes headlines for his bold, decisive, witty, and assertive statements and speeches on the rise of India's stature in the world.

Active diplomacy, guided by the principles of Dharma (righteousness), that alone would sustain the world, has significantly elevated India’s international standing. This shift has also led to substantial changes in India’s security policy, evident in its increasing defense and security collaborations with major nations.

The Final Journey

To conclude, watch a spectacular video showcasing the Pandavas' final journey to the hereafter, brought to life with breathtaking visuals and exceptional narration!

Epic Journey to the Afterlife: The Pandavas' Final Chapter

Image Credit: © Vibes of Divinity

No matter how righteous (Dharmic) the rule and splendid the nation's progress, everything must eventually come to an end to restart the natural cycle of life that surrounds us daily, seasonally, yearly, and generationally. One day, our Prime Minister will deliver a farewell address to the nation, reflecting on his extensive career as the PM, likely discussing the challenges and achievements of his administration, offering insights into the decisions that have shaped the nation during his time in office:

"Dear citizens, me and my colleagues have served you to the best of our abilities, adhering to the principles of Dharma, always prioritizing the nation and its people..."

What remains uncertain is whether the handover will be to another NDA team or to a different party of allies.