Reading Notes: Tiny Tales for Mahabharata Part A

Ganesha writing the Mahabharata with Vyasa (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

If I can describe with just a word the reading, it will be, boys! It's fascinating to see that Kings and Queen were obsessed with boys and getting boys as children. From what I read, men are the Mahabharata's main protagonists - like the Ramayana, but women's presence was more noticeable. 

When I read the princes' story, I instantly imagined a reality show where Yudhishthira, Duryodhana, Bhima, and Arjuna will choose their female suitors. It will be interesting to see which kind of suitors they want and like. It also reminds me of the book series, The Selection by Kiera Cass. It deals with a prince trying to find a suitor through a reality show. Imagine what kind of drama there would be! Like the four princes fight each other for the same girl or one prince feeling too much pressure because he does not want to fall in love through a show. Or a rebellious suitor who doesn't want to be there but has to because her parents forced her. Or a prince that is in love with a servant but has to participate in the show because it's his duty. Or, more simply, a prince who is gay. 

Speaking of queer people, it was refreshing to see that a transgender person in the Mahabharata. Amba, born female in her previous life, became - yes- a girl but cross-dressed as a man and then became a man after Sthuna trade his manhood. 

I never thought Indian folklores would create a character like that! 

Bibliography: Tiny Tales from the Mahabharata by Laura Gibbs