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Scroll.in
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scroll.in
What timeless literature tells us about injustice, war and human nature
A work of literature is called great when it remains contemporaneous across time spans and ages. In our civilisation, the Mahabharata is one such epic. One can spend a lifetime poring over the plots and subplots of this epic, examining the complexity of its countless characters, the inter-relationships and crosscurrents among them. Why is it so? Have our moral values, emotions, and social complexity not changed a bit over the ages? It does seem that when we look closely at the incidents of the Mahabharata that nothing has changed. Draupadi's cheer-haran (disrobing) in the Grand Assembly of the Kauravas is one such incident. Dhritrashtra's Grand Assembly was graced by fearless, brave warriors without number. Celebrated intellectuals, spiritual greats, and policy analysts – all were present there. In this assembly of greats, Draupadi was dragged in by the hair like some object, like a seized object, and her disrobing began. Not one man in this Grand Assembly of Aryavrat's most powerful people dared to unseal his lips in the face of this outrage. Courage, bravery, morality – all got muffled up when confronted with the might of the State. Similar outrages have been recurring in every era over the ages. But in that Assembly, there was one man who did dare to raise his voice against injustice. Dhritrashtra's eighty-sixth son, Yuyutsu. Yuyutsu not only rebelled against the Kauravas but also fought alongside the Pandavas in the ensuing battle. The irony and tragedy of being Yuyutsu has been illustrated by Dharmveer Bharati in the play Andha Yug. After the devastation of war, Yuyutsu, the only Kaurava alive, goes to the palace to meet his parents, only to discover that Dhritrashtra and Gandhari are filled with deep loathing towards him. They snub their rebel son. Dejected, Yuyutsu steps out and his eyes fall on an injured Kaurava soldier. He fetches water for the man, but the soldier recognises him as his aggressor and rejects the water touched by the enemy's hand. Yuyutsu had set out to befriend the truth, but the truth of war turned out to be something else altogether. In the end, Yuyutsu found neither the truth he was seeking nor the love of his parents. Finally, he took his own life. The absurdity Yuyutsu faces is the irony faced by every person down the ages who has stood up for truth and justice before State power. To be rejected by one's own becomes his destiny. The Pandavas wanted to give the Kauravas a fitting reply in the very language the Kauravas deployed. Till the last moment, Krishna made every effort to avert the war. In the end, the Pandavas fought back using the same language that the Kauravas used. Every kind of deceit and deception was deployed. At the end of the Mahabharat, the Kauravas were erased but what became of the Pandavas? The ageing Pandavas survived the war but their next generation was destroyed. Arjun and Subhadra's son, the unarmed Abhimanyu, got trapped in the Chakravyuh he knew how to enter, but not exit, and was killed. Draupadi's five sons were deceitfully murdered while still asleep in the camp. The only remaining trace of the Pandavas was Abhimanyu's unborn baby in his widow Uttara's womb. Ashwatthama, Dronacharya's son, bent on taking revenge for his father's death by deception, aimed the Brahmastra at Uttara's womb. Brahmastra, meaning the nuclear weapon of that age. Krishna somehow neutralised the Brahmastra and cursed Ashwatthama to an eternity of wandering in the wilderness, dragging his countless wounds. War can always justify itself but Krishna tells that the man who uses weapons of mass destruction is always detested and abhorred, the way Ashwatthama was. Ashwatthama wanders with festering wounds even today, telling the world what punishment for genocide looks like. In the preface to his timeless novel, Tamas, Bhisham Sahani writes, 'Those who learn nothing from history are cursed to repeat it.' The dialogue that Rahi Masoom Raza wrote for the screenplay of the televised Mahabharata also express this sentiment. The beautiful title song by Pandit Narendra Sharma has this line: 'Let the times gone by teach us, let us welcome a new era.' But who learns from times gone by? Time flows on, new generations come and repeat the old mistakes. Time and again, the hostile emotions of men push great civilisations towards destruction. This happens in every corner of the world. Not for nothing did Stephen Hawking say, 'We are in the danger of destroying ourselves because of greed and stupidity.' Many centuries after the Mahabharata, the great Hindi novelist Premchand wrote the story Shatranj ke Khiladi in the 20th century. As a metaphor, chess is equivalent to the dice game chaupad that the Pandavas played and lost. The situation, the setting, the characters, the plot; are all different in this story but the tragic sense of irony is the same as Mahabharat. Meer and Mirza were addicted to chess the way our modern society is addicted to narratives of war. While worries of the East India Company launching an attack cloud the future of the 19th-century princely state of Awadh, the two men are worried that the Nawab might summon them to the battlefield and they would have to leave their game of chess midway. To escape the royal edict, the two addicts repair to ruins away from the city, so that they may continue their game of chess. Such is their enthusiasm in the two opponents to save their badshah, their chessboard vizier, that they exchange heated words over a move and then pull out their swords. The two ultimately kill each other as Awadh is occupied by the East India Company. The make-believe world of chessboard victories and slights that Meer and Mirza delight in is much like the war cries and victory chants issued from the televisions in our drawing rooms. Times change, but the ironies of human existence do not.
India.com
5 hours ago
- India.com
7 Stunning Caves And Geological Wonders You Must See Near Udaipur
Udaipur is among the most favorite tourist destinations in Rajasthan with its breathtaking lakes, palaces, and royal heritage. But its covering glamour is just the surface. Underneath it lies a lot of natural wonders that are yet to be found, like caves and other geological formations which mark the presence of ancient life. This makes it a perfect getaway for both explorers and nature enthusiasts. Below is a list of 7 such unsung wonders around Udaipur's hidden gems, where all three, history, geology, and enigma meet. 1. Rajpura Caves The caves are tucked away in lush green beauty near Udaipur and they are over 1000 years old with several remnants of a lost civilization, possibly a part of the uncanny markings on the walls. These features give the caverns deep historical roots as well as a hint of natural beauty. The dance of narrow paths and intriguing rocks makes this spot perfect for people who like to get lost in nature and are quite intrigued by the thrill of it all. Facts: About 40 km away from Udaipur. The caves are a site of ancient markings. The caves can be reached with a short trek through the dense vegetation. 2. Ubeshwar Ji Cave The Ubeshwar Ji Cave Temple of Udaipur is a popular tourist attraction as it is near the Ubeshwar Ji temple. Those who wish for solitude may visit the cave as it is small. The cave is surrounded by greenery and has water running around its rocky walls. All these factors help form a serene atmosphere perfect for meditation and photography. Fact: It is approximately 20 kms from Udaipur. It is famous for the calm and peace that it offers. It is ideal for visiting during the monsoons due to its green aura. 3. Pandav Caves The locals claim Pandav caves to be the hiding spot of the Pandavas during their exile as told in the epics of Mahabharata. Even though these caves were not explored much, they do have wonderful, rare geological time-aged formations inside. Visitors love to come to the site and gaze at the splendid views from the surrounding valleys. Fact: Goes by the Jaisamand Lake and is 50 kms away from Udaipur. The site is believed to be of Mahabharata. It has jaw dropping views of the Aravalli range. 4. Jhameshwar Cave Nestled within the Aravalli hills, Jhameshwar Cave is lore rich having a miniature shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Hikers and nature lovers alike will find the cave, which is 30 km away from Udaipur, a great place to visit due to the beautiful landscape that surrounds it. The breathtaking trek to the cave is equally enthralling as the cave itself. Facts: Being 30 km from Udaipur, it is only about an hour drive from the city. The cave also features a Shivling in its naturally sculpted context. The cave is prominent with trekking lovers. 5. Menar Fossil Park Menar Fossil Park is very different from other caves, and much more than just a cave, this site is filled with marine fossils that date back hundreds of years. It is famous among geology students as it helps in creating a complete picture of this area when the Menar village was submerged under an ocean. It is one of the most magical places for geology lovers. Facts: It is situated in the Menar village, around 48 km from Udaipur. This everlasting paradise of paleontology enthusiasts has fossils that are believed to be over 150 million years old. 6. Hathipole Cave Like many caves in India, Hathipole cave is not very well known. It is situated not far from Udaipur on the way to Hathipole market. Even though it is not that famous, it provides an interesting look into the region's geology due to the presence of natural stalactite and stalagmite formations. The cave can be explored, but a lot of effort is needed to crawl through the small gaps. However, once inside, the sights are breathtaking and worth every ounce of the effort. Facts: Found close to Hathipole area, roughly 15 kilometers away from Udaipur. Famed for peculiar shaped rocks. It is accessible with minimal climbing. 7. Badi Lake Caves Some distance away from the calm Badi Lake is a cluster of small caves which are very close to untouched natural beauty. If you are seeking a great place to just wind down, there is no better place than these caves as its aesthetic appeal combined with the proverbial cherry on top: the Badi Lake, takes the breath away. As a result of the interaction between the rock and water, there is an environment that is refreshing and sure to intrigue the heart of any explorer. Facts: Located almost 12 kilometers away from Udaipur. It enjoys the stunning view of Badi Lake. For a more peaceful experience, it is preferred that you go in the early morning or evening. Conclusion Udaipur has a lot to offer the modern traveler apart from the well known palaces and the lakes. The natural caves and other wonders surrounding the city allow you to travel back in time and appreciate beauty and history. From history admirers to nature enthusiasts, and even adventure lovers, everyone can find something exciting in these hidden gems.
India Gazette
4 days ago
- General
- India Gazette
"Naming of 'Operation Sindoor' has increased India's respect for women": Punjab Governor Kataria
Jodhpur (Rajasthan) [India], June 4 (ANI): Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Wednesday said the naming of 'Operation Sindoor' has increased respect for women and called it a 'good fortune' for the nation. Addressing the mediapersons at Jodhpur Circuit House, Governor Kataria said, 'The naming of 'Operation Sindoor' has increased India's respect for women. This was the good fortune of our country. Lanka was burnt, and it happened to honour a woman. The Kurukshetra war was fought by Pandavas and Kauravas, that too, to honour a woman.' On the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, Kataria added, 'The way the May 22 incident happened... the people demanded that the terrorists pay a hefty price. The Prime Minister Modi said that he would do what they would never have imagined, and with the wisdom with which he prepared, he cleared all their locations in one swoop and killed hundreds of terrorists.' Governor praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for giving a free hand to the Indian Army. Regarding the people who support the 'enemies' while living in India, he said that it is the misfortune of this country that Jaichands are born here. He added that the country never lost due to its bravery, but had to face ups and downs due to internal enemies. India had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Indian armed forces responded effectively to subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. The two countries then reached an understanding to stop military action following a call made by Pakistan's DGMO to his Indian counterpart. (ANI)
NDTV
4 days ago
- General
- NDTV
"Naming Of Operation Sindoor Increased Respect For Women": Punjab Governor
Jodhpur: Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Wednesday said the naming of 'Operation Sindoor' has increased respect for women and called it a "good fortune" for the nation. Addressing the mediapersons at Jodhpur Circuit House, Governor Kataria said, "The naming of 'Operation Sindoor' has increased India's respect for women. This was the good fortune of our country. Lanka was burnt, and it happened to honour a woman. The Kurukshetra war was fought by Pandavas and Kauravas, that too, to honour a woman." On the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, Governor Kataria added, "The way the May 22 incident happened... the people demanded that the terrorists pay a hefty price. The Prime Minister Modi said that he would do what they would never have imagined, and with the wisdom with which he prepared, he cleared all their locations in one swoop and killed hundreds of terrorists." The governor praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for giving a free hand to the Indian Army. Regarding the people who support the 'enemies' while living in India, he said that it is the misfortune of this country that Jaichands are born here. He added that the country never lost due to its bravery, but had to face ups and downs due to internal enemies. India had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Indian armed forces responded effectively to subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. The two countries then reached an understanding to stop military action following a call made by Pakistan's DGMO to his Indian counterpart.
India Today
5 days ago
- General
- India Today
ISKCON fits Sukhoi fighter jet tyres to Lord Jagannath's chariot in Kolkata
This year's Rath Yatra in Kolkata is set to be a remarkable one as Lord Jagannath's chariot will roll on tyres originally designed for the Sukhoi fighter jet — notably the ones used in India's successful Operation Kolkata has spearheaded the initiative to replace the old tyres of Lord Jagannath's tyres which were first fitted in 1977 and sourced from a Boeing aircraft. With the original manufacturer, Dunlop ceasing operations years ago, the search for suitable replacements were on for the past few had been using second-hand aircraft tyres for many years,' said Radharaman Das, Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata. 'After thorough research, we found that the tyres of Sukhoi fighter jet matched the size and specifications of the old Boeing ones.' In 2024, tyre manufacturer MRF assessed the requirements and delivered the new tyres in early 2025. A 24-kilometre trial was carried out to ensure the tyres could withstand the weight of the chariot and move smoothly through Kolkata's added, 'It is a coincidence that the tyres came from Sukhoi jets that participated in Operation Sindoor, a significant achievement for Indian defence.'While the change is a technical enhancement, it also carries symbolic significance. Das drew parallels with the Mahabharata, noting that Lord Krishna attempted to prevent war between the Kauravas and Pandavas. When diplomacy failed, the Pandavas emerged victorious, reinforcing a message of peace backed by year's Rath Yatra conveys a dual message — of devotion and determination. It reflects Sanatani values and India's readiness to rise against adversity,' said Das, hinting at current tensions with Lord Jagannath's chariot now mounted on tyres built for a combat aircraft, this year's procession is set to combine tradition with a powerful reminder of cultural resilience and national Watch
