Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of Story of Mahabharata: Part 1 by Kaushal Kishore

Growing up in India, the Mahabharata was more than just a story—it was a part of the air we breathed. Sunday mornings meant watching B.R. Chopra’s epic unfold on TV with my family, wide-eyed and deeply moved. So when I picked up Story of Mahabharata: Part 1 by Kaushal Kishore, I wondered: “What could be new for someone who’s already read and seen so many versions of this timeless tale?” The answer? A lot, actually.

Kaushal Kishore, known for his engaging retellings of ancient scriptures, has a knack for bringing mythology to life in a way that feels fresh, cinematic, and deeply human. With this book—the fourth in his popular “Ancient Stories from Puranas” series—he revisits Ved Vyas's magnum opus, not just retelling it but reimagining it for modern readers who crave both meaning and momentum in a story.

The book doesn’t dive right into the Pandavas or the Kurukshetra war. Instead, it zooms way out—to the cosmic plan behind it all. Kishore begins with the divine intention to rid the Earth of its burden, slowly walking us through the grand design that leads to the birth of the Pandavas, their trials, and their eventual exile with Draupadi. What I appreciated was the attention given to often-overlooked characters like Amba and Karna. Their stories are woven in with such emotional depth that you can’t help but pause and reflect on their fate.

What struck me most was how visual the storytelling is. I wasn’t just reading—I was watching. I could hear the clash of weapons, feel the tension in courtrooms, and see the forests where the Pandavas roamed. The language is simple yet powerful, accessible even if you’ve never touched a scripture before. It doesn’t assume prior knowledge, which makes it perfect for curious readers dipping their toes into mythology.

Characters like Karna, Amba, and even lesser-known warriors are brought to life with nuance and emotion. You don’t just read about them—you feel with them. Karna’s inner struggle, Amba’s burning vengeance—these are not just side stories here, they are vital threads in the emotional tapestry. Kishore doesn’t just narrate their stories; he lets them breathe.

Despite the vast scale of the Mahabharata, the book moves briskly. The chapters are structured smartly—no long-winded diversions, no complicated detours. Everything serves the story. From the planning of divine intervention to the Pandavas’ disguise in exile, it’s a ride that’s smooth and gripping.

What’s truly magical is how the themes—dharma, destiny, revenge, loyalty—still hit home. In a world riddled with moral confusion, reading about these age-old dilemmas somehow makes us feel a little less alone in our struggles. And isn’t that what good storytelling is supposed to do?

If I had to nitpick, I’d say some transitions between stories could’ve been a bit more fluid. There were moments where I wished the emotional build-up lingered just a little longer. But honestly? These are minor quibbles in an otherwise stellar reading experience.

As someone who has always seen mythology as a mirror to life, this book reminded me why I fell in love with these stories in the first place. It rekindled that childlike awe and adult contemplation—something very few retellings manage to do.

Story of Mahabharata: Part 1 is more than a retelling—it’s an invitation to see an ancient epic with new eyes. Whether you’re a mythology buff or just someone looking for a good story with depth, heart, and drama, this book delivers. I’m already looking forward to the next part in the series. Highly recommended—I'd give it a solid 4.5 out of 5.

Have you read a version of the Mahabharata that moved you? Would love to hear your favourites!

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