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📚 Part of: Animal Care And Military History Mcqs

How many parvas in the Mahabharata book?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Correct Answer: D) 18.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC, Bank PO, CLAT

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, the other being the Ramayana. It is a vast narrative that is divided into 18 parvas, or books, each focusing on a different aspect of the story. The parvas are further divided into sub-parvas and individual chapters, making the Mahabharata one of the longest epic poems in the world.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing the number of parvas with the number of chapters or sub-parvas.
  • Misremembering the number of parvas due to the vastness of the epic.
  • Confusing the Mahabharata with other epics or texts that have a different number of divisions.
Explanation:

The Mahabharata is a monumental work of Sanskrit literature and is one of the two major epics of ancient India, the other being the Ramayana. It is attributed to the sage Vyasa and is known for its rich narrative, philosophical depth, and cultural significance. The epic is divided into 18 parvas, which are essentially books or sections of the epic. Each parva focuses on a particular aspect of the story, making the narrative more organized and easier to follow.

The 18 parvas of the Mahabharata are as follows:

1. Adi Parva (The Book of the Beginning)

2. Sabha Parva (The Book of the Assembly Hall)

3. Vana Parva (The Book of the Forest)

4. Virata Parva (The Book of Virata)

5. Udyoga Parva (The Book of the Effort)

6. Bhishma Parva (The Book of Bhishma)

7. Drona Parva (The Book of Drona)

8. Karna Parva (The Book of Karna)

9. Shalya Parva (The Book of Shalya)

10. Sauptika Parva (The Book of the Sleeping Warriors)

11. Stri Parva (The Book of the Women)

12. Shanti Parva (The Book of Peace)

13. Anushasana Parva (The Book of the Instructions)

14. Ashvamedhika Parva (The Book of the Horse Sacrifice)

15. Ashramavasika Parva (The Book of the Hermitage)

16. Mausala Parva (The Book of the Clubs)

17. Mahaprasthanika Parva (The Book of the Great Journey)

18. Svargarohana Parva (The Book of the Ascent to Heaven)

Each parva is further divided into sub-parvas and individual chapters, making the Mahabharata one of the longest epic poems in the world. The division into 18 parvas helps in understanding the vast narrative by breaking it down into thematic sections. This structure is crucial for students and scholars studying the epic, as it provides a clear framework for analyzing the different aspects of the story, including its historical, cultural, and philosophical dimensions.

Understanding the structure of the Mahabharata, including the number of parvas, is essential for anyone studying Indian mythology, literature, and culture. It is a key piece of knowledge that helps in comprehending the epic's narrative and its significance in Indian tradition.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Incorrect. The Mahabharata is divided into 18 parvas, not 20. This option might be chosen by students who have a vague recollection of the number of parvas but are off by a couple. It is important to remember the exact number of parvas to avoid such errors.
  • Option B: Incorrect. The Mahabharata is divided into 18 parvas, not 32. This option might be chosen by students who are familiar with the epic but have a misconception about the number of parvas. The number 32 is not associated with the structure of the Mahabharata.
  • Option C: Incorrect. The Mahabharata is divided into 18 parvas, not 16. This option might be chosen by students who are close to the correct number but have a slight error in their memory. It is crucial to remember the exact number of parvas to avoid such mistakes.
  • Option D: Correct. The Mahabharata is divided into 18 parvas. Each parva covers a specific part of the epic, from the beginning of the story to its conclusion. This division helps in organizing the vast narrative into manageable sections, each with its own focus and themes.

Mnemonic: Remember "D18" for "D for 18 parvas."

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