INTERPRETING THE MAHABHARATA AS HISTORICAL TEXT: CHALLENGES OF HISTORICISM AND TEXTUALISM

Аннотация

This paper examines the complexities involved in interpreting the Mahabharata as a historical text, focusing on the challenges posed by historicism and textualism. While the Mahabharata is often revered as a foundational narrative of Indian culture, its dual role as literature and history raises critical questions about how it should be approached within academic discourse. This study explores the methodological difficulties in establishing historical authenticity, the implications of interpreting mythological elements within a historical framework, and the influence of textual variants on our understanding of the epic. By analyzing these challenges, the paper aims to contribute to the broader discourse on how ancient texts can be situated within historical narratives, ultimately arguing for a nuanced approach that balances literary analysis with historical inquiry.