How Significant is the Mahabharata in Modern World?

 

The Mahabharata is one of ancient India's two major epics, written in Sanskrit. It includes the epic narrative of the Kurukshetra War as well as devotional and philosophical aspects of life's goals. The Kurukshetra war saw the use of a variety of ancient weapons that were far more advanced and futuristic than what we have today. It is said that science and religion are not dissimilar; science is simply too young to comprehend it.

The Mahabharata and the Vedas influenced a generation of scientists and continue to be relevant in the development of cutting-edge advanced and futuristic technologies for humanity, including modern weaponry and warfare. The essence of the Mahabharata is time, not dharma or war. 

According to Hindu literature, the Mahabharata is Itihasa, or an account of life "as it was, is, and always will be." Everything in the world today, including some of these management principles, can be explained by this timeless story.

Many critics believe the Mahabharata is nothing more than a story, and they have evidence to back up their claim. It's a story about everything that's going on in the world right now. Those who take nature for granted face destruction and death. Because of our actions, we are all heading in the same direction.

Earth has begun to rebel, indicating that we have over-exploited it. It is past time for us to recognise that our actions will have disastrous consequences. The most recent was the Delhi smog.

Influence of Mahabharata on Modern Weaponry and Combat Science

From Mahabharat, the concepts of Astra (Missile) and Dhanush (Launchers) arose. Astra was a supernatural hand-held weapon blessed by a particular deity. An Astra serves a purpose other than that of a missile.

According to legend, the Astras used in the Mahabharata may have also used technologies capable of emitting the most dangerous rays, such as Gamma and others, which have exceptional penetration abilities. 

Some Astras, such as Krishna's Sudharsana Chakra, return to the person who launched them. This could be similar to the reusable missiles being developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Astras were also used for defensive purposes, similar to how a Tesla Shield is used to destroy an approaching enemy Astra. It can also be compared to the modern anti-missile air defence system.

Weapons Used in Mahabharata

Astras such as Brahmashira, Brahmasthra, Pashupatastra, Vaishnavasthra, Narayana Astra, Agneyastra, Vyavastha, Nagastra, Vajrasthra, Varunastra, and others were mentioned in the Mahabharata, along with positive indications of the use of nuclear weapons; otherwise, how could the war kill 1.5 billion people in just 18 days?

Barbarika, a character in the Mahabharata, had the ability to mark its targets in order to save or destroy them using his unique Astras. Consider this: India's DRDO has a two-stage missile called Nirbhay that can select a target and attack it while avoiding multiple other objects. The missile also has the ability to loiter, which means it can circumvent a target, perform several manoeuvres, and then re-engage it.

 Principles Of Management From Mahabharata

1. Work on Your Weakness:

After losing their kingdom and honour, the Pandavas used their time in exile to learn new skills. Arjuna, the world's most skilled archer, set out to acquire new weapons. Yudhisthira learned from various wise rishis and learned the game of dice, his nemesis, and became unbeatable at it. These newfound abilities gave them an advantage in the final battle.

 2. Share responsibility:

The Kauravas had centralised leadership, with one army commander in charge of all 11 divisions at any given time (akshauhini). As they fall, Bhisma, Drona, Karna, Shalya, and Aswathamma pass the command, and the army is left without a leader for a short time. Regardless of the commanders, Duryodhana has de facto control. This dichotomy in leadership frequently leads to clashes.

The Pandavas, on the other hand, have a modern army management structure. Arjuna was the army's chief commander, and Lord Krishna served as his advisor. Dhristadymna was the commander-in-chief as well as the commander of one of the seven divisions (akshauhini), as were six others. The sharing of responsibility and thus power results in management democracy and reduction. 

General Lessons To Learn From Mahabharata

1.Good Family and Friends are a Blessing:

Krishna was the Pandavas' cousin brother and Karna was the Duryodhana's best friend. Krishna and Karna both demonstrated their unwavering devotion to their respective clans. Krishna led the Pandavas in the right direction, and Karna fought valiantly for his friend Duryodhana. If neither of them had been present, the outcome would have been very different.

2.Greed Is the Start of One’s Downfall:

 

Duryodhana had always desired to be king. He was envious of the Pandavas and constantly questioned their right to the throne. All of this led to the beginning of the Mahabharata. All the lives sacrificed were for the sake of a throne. So many relationships were ruined. 

   

The Mahabharata is a record of human beings with human flaws. Almost no one is portrayed as completely good or completely evil. But, even as he depicts the extraordinary person, the poet does not let us forget the ordinary in him." As the Romanian writer Mircea Eliade put it, "we become truly human when we have followed the learning of the myths, imitating the gods."

Thus, when we consider the teachings contained in the Mahabharata, we realise that these are not typical bedtime stories for children. They have a much bigger role to play, and possibly a lot more lessons to teach.

Written By: Greeshma Chowdary

Edited By: Nidhi Jha