Consider the following statements regarding the evolution of the Mahabharata: 1. The text was originally composed with 100,000 verses. 2. It grew to comprise about 100,000 verses over centuries. 3. The didactic sections were generally added later than the narrative sections. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is 2 and 3 only. Explanation The Mahabharata is not a static text but a dynamic compilation that evolved over nearly a millennium (c. 400 BCE to 400 CE). Its composition is traditionally divided into three stages of expansion, reflecting the transition from a tribal war story to a comprehensive compendium of Dharma. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect. The text was not originally composed with 100,000 verses. The earliest version of the text is believed to have consisted of approximately 8,800 verses and was known as 'Jaya' (Victory). It focused primarily on the core narrative of the conflict. - Statement 2 is Correct. The text expanded over centuries. From 'Jaya', it grew into the 'Bharata', comprising about 24,000 verses. Eventually, with the addition of numerous myths, legends, and discourses, it expanded to approximately 100,000 verses, acquiring the title 'Mahabharata' or the Satasahasri Samhita. - Statement 3 is Correct. The Mahabharata contains both narrative sections (the story of the war) and didactic sections (instructional content on social norms, polity, and salvation). Historians and philologists generally agree that the didactic sections (such as the Shanti Parva and Anushasana Parva) were added later than the original narrative core. These additions transformed the text from an epic poem into a normative Dharmashastra. Key Takeaway: The evolution of the Mahabharata followed the sequence: Jaya (8,800 verses) → Bharata (24,000 verses) → Mahabharata (100,000 verses). The didactic (instructional) portions are generally later interpolations.

Consider the following statements regarding the evolution of the Mahabharata: 1.… - NCERT Class 12 History MCQ

NCERT Class 12 History — Chapter 3: Kinship, Caste and Class - Early Societies (c. 600 BCE - 600 CE)

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Consider the following statements regarding the evolution of the Mahabharata:

The text was originally composed with 100,000 verses.
It grew to comprise about 100,000 verses over centuries.
The didactic sections were generally added later than the narrative sections.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Themes in Indian History - I · Page 73

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

The Mahabharata is not a static text but a dynamic compilation that evolved over nearly a millennium (c. 400 BCE to 400 CE). Its composition is traditionally divided into three stages of expansion, reflecting the transition from a tribal war story to a comprehensive compendium of Dharma.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The text was not originally composed with 100,000 verses. The earliest version of the text is believed to have consisted of approximately 8,800 verses and was known as 'Jaya' (Victory). It focused primarily on the core narrative of the conflict.
Statement 2 is Correct. The text expanded over centuries. From 'Jaya', it grew into the 'Bharata', comprising about 24,000 verses. Eventually, with the addition of numerous myths, legends, and discourses, it expanded to approximately 100,000 verses, acquiring the title 'Mahabharata' or the Satasahasri Samhita.
Statement 3 is Correct. The Mahabharata contains both narrative sections (the story of the war) and didactic sections (instructional content on social norms, polity, and salvation). Historians and philologists generally agree that the didactic sections (such as the Shanti Parva and Anushasana Parva) were added later than the original narrative core. These additions transformed the text from an epic poem into a normative Dharmashastra.

Key Takeaway:

The evolution of the Mahabharata followed the sequence: Jaya (8,800 verses) → Bharata (24,000 verses) → Mahabharata (100,000 verses). The didactic (instructional) portions are generally later interpolations.

Your note

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