Mahabharata (comics): Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by ImportMaster
Last edited February 21, 2026
VisualWikitext
robot: Add missing article in Category:Mahabharata
 
Sadique (talk | contribs)
17 edits
No edit summary
 
Line 45: Line 45:
'''''Mahabharata''''' (also known as '''''[[Amar Chitra Katha]]'s Mahabharata'''''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/the-life-of-uncle-pai/912158 |title=The Life of Uncle Pai |publisher=Indian Express |date= |accessdate=2013-01-08}}</ref>) is a comic adaptation of the [[India]]n [[Epic poetry|epic poem]] ''[[Mahabharata]]''. The 42-issue best-selling series by [[Amar Chitra Katha]], [[Mumbai]] was illustrated by Dilip Kadam.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-17150952 Comic life: Remembering India's master storyteller Anant Pai] BBC News, 24 February 2012.</ref> The team of script writers (who took turns to complete the 42 issues) included Kamala Chandrakant, TMP Nedungadi, Subba Rao, Yagya Sharma, Lopamudra, Mihir Lal Mitra, Sumona Roy, Mohan Swaminathan, Shubha Kandhekar and Margie Sastry.<ref name="comicology1">{{cite web|url=http://www.comicology.in/2009/07/amar-chitra-katha-mahabharata-3-volumes.html |title=Amar Chitra Katha – Mahabharata &#124; 3 Volumes &#124; 2007 - Comicology |publisher=Comicology.in |date=2009-07-10 |accessdate=2013-01-08}}</ref>
'''''Mahabharata''''' (also known as '''''[[Amar Chitra Katha]]'s Mahabharata'''''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/the-life-of-uncle-pai/912158 |title=The Life of Uncle Pai |publisher=Indian Express |date= |accessdate=2013-01-08}}</ref>) is a comic adaptation of the [[India]]n [[Epic poetry|epic poem]] ''[[Mahabharata]]''. The 42-issue best-selling series by [[Amar Chitra Katha]], [[Mumbai]] was illustrated by Dilip Kadam.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-17150952 Comic life: Remembering India's master storyteller Anant Pai] BBC News, 24 February 2012.</ref> The team of script writers (who took turns to complete the 42 issues) included Kamala Chandrakant, TMP Nedungadi, Subba Rao, Yagya Sharma, Lopamudra, Mihir Lal Mitra, Sumona Roy, Mohan Swaminathan, Shubha Kandhekar and Margie Sastry.<ref name="comicology1">{{cite web|url=http://www.comicology.in/2009/07/amar-chitra-katha-mahabharata-3-volumes.html |title=Amar Chitra Katha – Mahabharata &#124; 3 Volumes &#124; 2007 - Comicology |publisher=Comicology.in |date=2009-07-10 |accessdate=2013-01-08}}</ref>


The ''Mahabharata'' is often regarded as one of the most popular titles in the history of Amar Chitra Katha. It is also the longest series (42 issue run on an alternative title schedule; from 329-441 [1985-89] in over more than 1300 pages) to have been produced by the ACK. The series was originally planned for 60 albums, but it was later cut short to 42.<ref name="comicology1"/>
The ''Mahabharata'' is often regarded as one of the most popular titles in the history of Amar Chitra Katha. It is an adaptation of [[Kashiram Das#Kashidasi Mahabharat|Kashidasi Mahabharata]]. It is also the longest series (42 issue run on an alternative title schedule; from 329 to 441 [1985-89] in over more than 1300 pages) to have been produced by the ACK. The series was originally planned for 60 albums, but it was later cut short to 42.<ref name="comicology1"/>


== Concept and creation ==
== Concept and creation ==
Amar Chitra Katha had a strong commitment to the ''Mahabharata'' from the very beginning. Many of its titles were from based on particular events or characters from the ''Mahabharata''. In March 1985, the new project began, "in response to a persistent demand from our readers for a comprehensive account of the epic." The ambitious series by [[Anant Pai]] was initially decided as a 60 volume project, with one issue in every fortnight. However, in 1988, Amar Chitra Katha issued only one issue a month, so that Mahabharata numbers came out only in every two months.<ref name="google1">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cgDHFFe7YM8C&q=Mahabharata+Amar+Chitra+Katha |title=Media And The Transformation Of Religion In South Asia - Lawrence A Babb, Susan S. Wadley - Google Books |date= 31 May 1998|isbn=9788120814530 |accessdate=2013-01-08|last1=Babb |first1=Lawrence A. |last2=Wadley |first2=Susan S. }}</ref>
Amar Chitra Katha had a strong commitment to the ''Mahabharata'' from the very beginning. Many of its titles were from based on particular events or characters from the ''Mahabharata''. In March 1985, the new project began, "in response to a persistent demand from our readers for a comprehensive account of the epic." The ambitious series by [[Anant Pai]] was initially decided as a 60 volume project, with one issue in every fortnight. However, in 1988, Amar Chitra Katha issued only one issue a month, so that Mahabharata numbers came out only in every two months.<ref name="google1">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cgDHFFe7YM8C&q=Mahabharata+Amar+Chitra+Katha |title=Media And The Transformation Of Religion In South Asia - Lawrence A Babb, Susan S. Wadley - Google Books |date= 31 May 1998|isbn=9788120814530 |accessdate=2013-01-08|last1=Babb |first1=Lawrence A. |last2=Wadley |first2=Susan S. |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publ. }}</ref>


The ''Mahabharata'' comics was based on,<ref name="google1"/>
The ''Mahabharata'' comics was based on,<ref name="google1"/>
Line 58: Line 58:


== Structure ==
== Structure ==
The comics does not include the ''[[Harivamsha]]'' (a supplement to the ''Mahabharata'') and the abbreviated version of the [[Ramayana]]. It also omits the character [[Ugrasrava Sauti]] and the first issue ("Veda Vyasa") begins with sage Vyasa acquiring the elephant god [[Ganesha]] as his scribe and starting the dictation. It soon moves on to [[Vaisampayana]] narrating the epic to [[Janamejaya II|Janamejaya]]. This latter pair persist till the last panel of the series, appearing from time to time in panels colored differently.<ref name="google1"/>
The comics does not include the ''[[Harivamsha]]'' (a supplement to the ''Mahabharata'') and the abbreviated version of the [[Ramayana]]. It also omits the character [[Ugrasrava Sauti]] and the first issue ("Veda Vyasa") begins with sage Vyasa acquiring the elephant god [[Ganesha]] as his scribe and starting the dictation. It soon moves on to [[Vaisampayana]] narrating the epic to [[Janamejaya II|Janamejaya]]. This latter pair persist till the last panel of the series, appearing from time to time in panels colored differently. In addition, the events of the [[Battle of Kurukshetra]] was narrated to [[Dhritarashtra]] by his advisor [[Sanjaya]], who both appeared in the middle of the battle sequences in different colored panels, thus making it a narration within a narration.<ref name="google1"/>


The comics also included various footnotes explaining the meaning Sanskrit terms, and the few issues also consisted a pronunciation guide and glossary. Issues usually start with a page containing a summary of the last few issues, and in the backdrop illustrations of the Gita setting, with [[Arjuna]] kneeling before [[Krishna]] in the battlefield.<ref name="google1"/>
The comics also included various footnotes explaining the meaning Sanskrit terms, and the few issues also consisted a pronunciation guide and glossary. Issues usually start with a page containing a summary of the last few issues, and in the backdrop illustrations of the Gita setting, with [[Arjuna]] kneeling before [[Krishna]] in the battlefield.<ref name="google1"/>


== Individual titles ==
== Individual titles ==
Several individual books were released. They're
Several individual books were released containing both, the story from the perspectives of some of important characters with some untold stories not included in original books and other side stories found in Mahabharata, but omitted in the main volumes. They're
*Shakuntala
*Shakuntala
*Savitri
*Savitri
Line 116: Line 116:


== Influences and conflicts ==
== Influences and conflicts ==
Amar Chitra Katha series on ''Mahabarata'' (1985–89) coincided with [[BR Chopra|Baldev Raj Chopra]]'s famous television drama series ''[[Mahabharat (1988 TV series)|Mahabharat]]'' (1988–90). Although, some fans took great pleasure in encountering Mahabharata in both mediums, the television series spelled big trouble for the comic book series. Amar Chitra Katha and the state-run [[Doordarshan]] television channel ([[DD National]]) competed for the same [[Urban sociology|urban]] [[middle class]] audience.<ref name="google2">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V4-Su0whKa0C&q=india's+Immortal+Comic+Books:+Gods,+Kings,+and+Other+Heroes |title=India's Immortal Comic Books: Gods, Kings, and Other Heroes - Karline McLain - Google Books |isbn=978-0253220523 |accessdate=2013-01-08|last1=McLain |first1=Karline |year=2009 }}</ref>
Amar Chitra Katha series on ''Mahabarata'' (1985–89) coincided with [[BR Chopra|Baldev Raj Chopra]]'s famous television drama series ''[[Mahabharat (1988 TV series)|Mahabharat]]'' (1988–90). Although, some fans took great pleasure in encountering Mahabharata in both mediums, the television series spelled big trouble for the comic book series. Amar Chitra Katha and the state-run [[Doordarshan]] television channel ([[DD National]]) competed for the same [[Urban sociology|urban]] [[middle class]] audience.<ref name="google2">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V4-Su0whKa0C&q=india's+Immortal+Comic+Books:+Gods,+Kings,+and+Other+Heroes |title=India's Immortal Comic Books: Gods, Kings, and Other Heroes - Karline McLain - Google Books |isbn=978-0253220523 |accessdate=2013-01-08|last1=McLain |first1=Karline |year=2009 |publisher=Indiana University Press }}</ref>


It is widely accepted that visual and narrative "homogenization" occurs between the ACK'S ''Mahabharata'' and Baldev Raj Chopra's ''Mahabharat''. Television producers have repeatedly turned to the Amar Chitra Katha series as reference material for costume design, set production, and subject matter.<ref name="google2"/>
It is widely accepted that visual and narrative "homogenization" occurs between the ACK'S ''Mahabharata'' and Baldev Raj Chopra's ''Mahabharat''. Television producers have repeatedly turned to the Amar Chitra Katha series as reference material for costume design, set production, and subject matter.<ref name="google2"/>


{{Quotation|"When the ''Mahabharat'' television series was made, I had friend who was a cameraman at the set. And he told me that they often brought the ACK ''Mahabharata'' series onto the set and used it as reference material-for dress, the building, and also for the episodes, the content. It is Kamala Chandrakant who deserves credit for this. She was thorough and very, very careful with regards to authenticity."<ref name="google2"/>| Yagya Sharma, ACK author|on Mahabharata comics |}}
{{Blockquote|"When the ''Mahabharat'' television series was made, I had friend who was a cameraman at the set. And he told me that they often brought the ACK ''Mahabharata'' series onto the set and used it as reference material-for dress, the building, and also for the episodes, the content. It is Kamala Chandrakant who deserves credit for this. She was thorough and very, very careful with regards to authenticity."<ref name="google2"/>| Yagya Sharma, ACK author|on Mahabharata comics |}}


The advertisements of the comic series contained the exhortation "Read it to enjoy your Sunday viewing [of the BR Chopra's ''Mahabharat'']!". It seems possible that the comic series was hastened to 42 issues from 60 to take advantage of the television series.<ref name="google1"/>
The advertisements of the comic series contained the exhortation "Read it to enjoy your Sunday viewing [of the BR Chopra's ''Mahabharat'']!". It seems possible that the comic series was hastened to 42 issues from 60 to take advantage of the television series.<ref name="google1"/>
Line 136: Line 136:
{{Works based on the Mahabharata}}
{{Works based on the Mahabharata}}
* [https://www.amarchitrakatha.com/in/mahabharata-3-vol-set ''Mahabharata''- Amar Chitra Katha]
* [https://www.amarchitrakatha.com/in/mahabharata-3-vol-set ''Mahabharata''- Amar Chitra Katha]
* [https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/mahabharata-complete-collection/id460746907?mt=11 ''Mahabharata'' Complete Collection 42 Title Comics Set in Apple iBooks]
* [https://books.apple.com/us/book/mahabharata-the-complete-collection/id460746907 ''Mahabharata'' Complete Collection 42 Title Comics Set in Apple iBooks]
* [https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/india-comics/id562147464?mt=8 ''Mahabharata'' Complete Collection 42 Title Comics Set inApp in Apple IndiaComics iPad App]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140918135110/https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/india-comics/id562147464?mt=8 ''Mahabharata'' Complete Collection 42 Title Comics Set inApp in Apple IndiaComics iPad App]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120801032635/http://www.dilipkadam.in/index.html Dilip Kadam website]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120801032635/http://www.dilipkadam.in/index.html Dilip Kadam website]


Latest revision as of 00:01, 21 February 2026


Mahabharata
Mahabharata (vol I of III), cover art by Ramesh Umrotkar
Publication information
PublisherAmar Chitra Katha and first issue by: ACK, IBH
ScheduleAlternative Title Schedule
FormatLimited series
GenreTemplate:Comics infobox sec/genre
Publication date1985 - 89
No. of issues42
Creative team
Written byKamala Chandrakant • TMP Nedungadi • Subba Rao • Yagya Sharma • Lopamudra • Mihir Lal Mitra • Sumona Roy • Mohan Swaminathan • Shubha Kandhekar • Margie Sastry
Artist(s)Dilip Kadam
Editor(s)Anant Pai
Collected editions
Volume 1ISBN 978-81-905990-4-7
Volume 2ISBN 978-81-905990-2-3
Volume 3ISBN 978-81-905990-3-0

Template:Comics infobox sec/formcatTemplate:Comics infobox sec/genrecat

Mahabharata (also known as Amar Chitra Katha's Mahabharata[1]) is a comic adaptation of the Indian epic poem Mahabharata. The 42-issue best-selling series by Amar Chitra Katha, Mumbai was illustrated by Dilip Kadam.[2] The team of script writers (who took turns to complete the 42 issues) included Kamala Chandrakant, TMP Nedungadi, Subba Rao, Yagya Sharma, Lopamudra, Mihir Lal Mitra, Sumona Roy, Mohan Swaminathan, Shubha Kandhekar and Margie Sastry.[3]

The Mahabharata is often regarded as one of the most popular titles in the history of Amar Chitra Katha. It is an adaptation of Kashidasi Mahabharata. It is also the longest series (42 issue run on an alternative title schedule; from 329 to 441 [1985-89] in over more than 1300 pages) to have been produced by the ACK. The series was originally planned for 60 albums, but it was later cut short to 42.[3]

Concept and creation[edit | edit source]

Amar Chitra Katha had a strong commitment to the Mahabharata from the very beginning. Many of its titles were from based on particular events or characters from the Mahabharata. In March 1985, the new project began, "in response to a persistent demand from our readers for a comprehensive account of the epic." The ambitious series by Anant Pai was initially decided as a 60 volume project, with one issue in every fortnight. However, in 1988, Amar Chitra Katha issued only one issue a month, so that Mahabharata numbers came out only in every two months.[4]

The Mahabharata comics was based on,[4]

Structure[edit | edit source]

The comics does not include the Harivamsha (a supplement to the Mahabharata) and the abbreviated version of the Ramayana. It also omits the character Ugrasrava Sauti and the first issue ("Veda Vyasa") begins with sage Vyasa acquiring the elephant god Ganesha as his scribe and starting the dictation. It soon moves on to Vaisampayana narrating the epic to Janamejaya. This latter pair persist till the last panel of the series, appearing from time to time in panels colored differently. In addition, the events of the Battle of Kurukshetra was narrated to Dhritarashtra by his advisor Sanjaya, who both appeared in the middle of the battle sequences in different colored panels, thus making it a narration within a narration.[4]

The comics also included various footnotes explaining the meaning Sanskrit terms, and the few issues also consisted a pronunciation guide and glossary. Issues usually start with a page containing a summary of the last few issues, and in the backdrop illustrations of the Gita setting, with Arjuna kneeling before Krishna in the battlefield.[4]

Individual titles[edit | edit source]

Several individual books were released containing both, the story from the perspectives of some of important characters with some untold stories not included in original books and other side stories found in Mahabharata, but omitted in the main volumes. They're

  • Shakuntala
  • Savitri
  • Nala Damayanti
  • Urvashi
  • Nahusha
  • Yayati
  • Kacha and Devayani
  • Indra and Shachi
  • Golden Mongoose
  • Tales of Arjuna
  • Bheema and Hanuman
  • Abhimanyu
  • Pareekshit
  • Uloopi
  • Tales of Yudhistira
  • Pandavas in the hiding
  • The Pandava princes
  • Amba
  • Bheeshma
  • Jayadratha
  • Drona
  • Ghatotkach
  • Karna
  • Draupadi
  • Gandhari
  • Chandrahasa
  • Tapati
  • Aruni and Uttanka
  • Sukanya
  • Indra and Shibi
  • Jayadratha

Chapters about Krishna and yadavas

  • Krishna the protector of Dharma
  • Bhagavata Purana
  • Krishna and Rukmini
  • Krishna and Jarasandha
  • Krishna and Shishupala
  • Krishna and false Vasudeva
  • The Shyamantaka Gem
  • Krishna and Narakasura
  • Parijata Tree
  • Pradyumna
  • Aniruddha
  • Prabhavati
  • Bhanumati
  • Subhadra
  • Tales of Balaram
  • The Gita
  • Sudama

Influences and conflicts[edit | edit source]

Amar Chitra Katha series on Mahabarata (1985–89) coincided with Baldev Raj Chopra's famous television drama series Mahabharat (1988–90). Although, some fans took great pleasure in encountering Mahabharata in both mediums, the television series spelled big trouble for the comic book series. Amar Chitra Katha and the state-run Doordarshan television channel (DD National) competed for the same urban middle class audience.[5]

It is widely accepted that visual and narrative "homogenization" occurs between the ACK'S Mahabharata and Baldev Raj Chopra's Mahabharat. Television producers have repeatedly turned to the Amar Chitra Katha series as reference material for costume design, set production, and subject matter.[5]

"When the Mahabharat television series was made, I had friend who was a cameraman at the set. And he told me that they often brought the ACK Mahabharata series onto the set and used it as reference material-for dress, the building, and also for the episodes, the content. It is Kamala Chandrakant who deserves credit for this. She was thorough and very, very careful with regards to authenticity."[5]

— Yagya Sharma, ACK author, on Mahabharata comics

The advertisements of the comic series contained the exhortation "Read it to enjoy your Sunday viewing [of the BR Chopra's Mahabharat]!". It seems possible that the comic series was hastened to 42 issues from 60 to take advantage of the television series.[4]

Collected formats[edit | edit source]

  • The late 1980s saw the first of the collected format of the Mahabharata with a 7 volume "Library Edition".[3]
  • A 14 volume special edition was published in the late 1990s.[3]
  • A hard-bounded 3 volume edition in 1998 (reprinted in late 2007, 2012)[6]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "The Life of Uncle Pai". Indian Express. Retrieved 2013-01-08.
  2. ↑ Comic life: Remembering India's master storyteller Anant Pai BBC News, 24 February 2012.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Amar Chitra Katha – Mahabharata | 3 Volumes | 2007 - Comicology". Comicology.in. 2009-07-10. Retrieved 2013-01-08.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Babb, Lawrence A.; Wadley, Susan S. (31 May 1998). Media And The Transformation Of Religion In South Asia - Lawrence A Babb, Susan S. Wadley - Google Books. Motilal Banarsidass Publ. ISBN 9788120814530. Retrieved 2013-01-08.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 McLain, Karline (2009). India's Immortal Comic Books: Gods, Kings, and Other Heroes - Karline McLain - Google Books. Indiana University Press. ISBN 978-0253220523. Retrieved 2013-01-08.
  6. ↑ "ACK". Amarchitrakatha.com. Retrieved 2013-01-08.

External links[edit | edit source]

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mahabharata_(comics)&oldid=449997"
Discover more