The correct option is 1 and 3 only
Explanation
The Mahabharata is not a static text but a dynamic literary tradition that evolved over approximately 1,000 years (c. 500 BCE to 500 CE). Its composition reflects a transition from oral bardic poetry to a formalized Brahmanical text, incorporating narrative, theological, and didactic elements.
Statement 1 is Correct:
The language of the Mahabharata is Classical Sanskrit, which is significantly simpler and more standardized than the archaic Vedic Sanskrit found in the Vedas. While Vedic Sanskrit is characterized by complex tonal accents and archaic grammar, the Sanskrit of the Epics follows the linguistic norms that were later codified by grammarians like Panini, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
Statement 2 is Incorrect:
The historical trajectory of the text's composition is the reverse of what is stated. The original story was likely composed and transmitted orally by charioteer-bards known as sutas, who accompanied Kshatriya warriors to the battlefield and celebrated their victories. It was only later, from roughly the 5th century BCE onwards, that Brahmanas took over the text and began committing it to writing, gradually expanding it with mythological and religious content.
Statement 3 is Correct:
The final phase of the text's composition, dated approximately between c. 200 CE and 400 CE, saw the interpolation of extensive didactic sections. These sections contain instructions on social norms, duties (dharma), and philosophy. This period coincides with the composition of the Manusmriti, and the didactic verses in the Mahabharata bear a strong resemblance to the legal and ethical codes found in the Manusmriti.
Key Takeaway:
The Mahabharata evolved from a bardic historical poem (Jaya) into a comprehensive Dharmashastra through the appropriation of the text by Brahmanas, who added extensive didactic material resembling the Manusmriti.