The Mahabharata (Box Set)

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.

Got my hands on this masterpiece today !!! ...the plastic covering was torn and some books slightly damaged...but overall good 👍I feel the paper quality needs improvement from Penguin publications .

Awesome! Books… boxset is awesome. Love it. Delivered in one day. I’m excited to read it. But everyone must buy this set, because this set has the original Mahabharata translation. No add on things. Different than what we had seen on Television. The real stories of Mahabharata live in these books. Happy reading ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Jay shri Krishna 🙏

Dear Sir Madam I recently purchased the complete 10 volume set of the MAHABHARATA translated by BIBEK DEBROY Thanks for the excellent quality of printing and packing and also the good translation But certain ERRORS need to be ABSOLUTELY CORRECTED in the next edition In Volume 10 Page 682 the original shloka of the Bharata Savitri is dharmat arthascha kamascha sa kimartham na sevyate and the CORRECT translation should be Both Artha and Kama follow from dharma if so why is Dharma not followed and the INCORRECT translation by BIBEK DEBROY is If Dharma and Kama result from Artha why should one not pursue Artha In Volume 3 Pages 596 597 598 with regard to YAKSHA PRASHNA Three very important questions and answers are omitted 1 How is real Brahmanatva recognised 2 What is the greatest wonder and 3 What is the news But otherwise we are extremely grateful to BIBEK DEBROY for this massive undertaking REVIEW SUBMITTED BY SWAMI VEDANTANANDA PURI

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.

Received books in good condition.

Some people are spreading misinformation about the authenticity of BORI critical edition of mahabharata and the quality of translation by Bibek debroy... Don't believe them. A board of scholars in Bhandarkar oriental research Institute (a government organization) studied over 1259 manuscripts of Mahabharata over 50 years (1916-1966) and published the critical edition of the epic. They eliminated all the interpolations, popular but fake stories, retellings etc. The final result became the closest thing to the actual epic composed by the great vyasdev. Bibek debroy's translation is very easy to understand and he has given footnotes at the bottom of each and every pages for the name of people, places, various incidents we are unfamiliar with. I have no complains regarding the translation he has done. Coming to the delivery of the books, that was absolutely terrible. They sent the box set inside of just a paper wrap, not even with a cardboard box, that they normally send. The box set of the books was damaged, during shipping I suppose. Thankfully, most of the books were alright, except 3 books were little bit bent. I hope Amazon will be more careful regarding the delivery of their products.

Very detailed & brings the many critical things forward, which we never knew as we grew up watching the tv version of the Mahabharata. Recommended to readers

Delivered in great condition and comes complete with a display box to keep the books from getting bashed. The books themselves feel and look high quality. Now I just need a spare thousand hours to read it :)

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.

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.

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

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!