The Mahabharata (10 vol Box Set)

I bought this box set when it was heavily discounted at around $60-ish dollars. Worth every penny. It would also be worth the full price. Bibek Debroy's translation of the Mahabharata is excellent, approachable for a layman, and based on standard and very well researched scholarly works. It's as readable as you may expect a religious tome to be. ...and a tome, it is. It's just shy of 6000 pages, around 2 million words, covering hundreds of chapters and tens of thousands of shlokas (stanzas), according to the author's introduction. It is not presented in a poetic fashion, but rather as more of a novel. There is no Sanskrit text, and, unfortunately, no diacritical marks, either. This is the sole issue I have with this translation, with the goal of approachability, the author abandoned a small touch of accuracy in eschewing the IAST that is all but ubiquitous in even a $5 Gita Press translation of the Ramcharitmanas. This makes it easy to conflate names that are spelled the same in this translation but would be obviously different from one another in a different tranlsation. The author has done an excellent job of clarifying this in the footnotes (of which there are several per page, his commentary is excellent and straightforward). Not only has this work helped strengthen my faith in and knowledge of the origins of Sanatana Dharma, it inspired me to purchase several of Debroy's other works, a bundle of the shorter Vedas for Kindle, and a box set copy of the Ramayana. It is a shame he passed away and will not have the opportunity to finish the Puranas. The quality of the printing itself is standard for Penguin Books, though i may venture to say the pages are a little thinner than what would be found in the US. This may entirely be due to the fact there are so many of them, the entire box set weighs 10-20 lbs, easily. Having seen how small the Bhagavad-gita really is in comparison, it paints its own picture of how impactful and influential that tiny chapter of this massive epic has been on both Hinduism and global culture. If there is peace to be found, may you find some of it reading these words.

Overview The Mahabharata (10-Volume Box Set) is a monumental literary masterpiece that brings together one of the greatest epics of all time in a detailed, unabridged, and scholarly translation. This set is an essential addition to any collection for readers who appreciate classical literature, Indian philosophy, mythology, or history. Whether you are a seasoned scholar, an enthusiast of Hindu epics, or a newcomer to this grand narrative, this box set provides an in-depth, immersive experience into the world of the Mahabharata. Content & Translation Quality This 10-volume edition is among the most authoritative English translations of the Mahabharata, offering a faithful and meticulously detailed rendering of the original Sanskrit text. Depending on the publisher (e.g., the Clay Sanskrit Library, Gita Press, or Bibek Debroy’s translation), this version provides either direct translations from the Sanskrit shlokas or detailed expositions with commentary. The language is precise and well-structured, making it accessible to both general readers and academic audiences. Unlike condensed versions that omit crucial sections, this complete translation retains all episodes, including subtler philosophical discourses, genealogies, rituals, and narratives that often get sidelined in summarized versions. Each volume is carefully organized, ensuring smooth continuity across the 18 parvas (books) and the supplementary Harivamsa (considered the appendix of the Mahabharata). This structure ensures that the reader experiences the epic in its fullest, most detailed form. Physical Quality & Presentation The box set itself is a work of art. The hardcover binding (or high-quality paperback, depending on the edition) ensures durability, while the elegant slipcase keeps the books protected and beautifully displayed on any bookshelf. The printing quality is exceptional, with clear fonts, well-spaced text, and sometimes illustrations or footnotes that add to the reading experience. Each volume typically contains: ✔ Well-structured chapters that mirror the Sanskrit original ✔ Footnotes and explanations that clarify cultural, linguistic, and philosophical nuances ✔ Genealogical charts and appendices that help readers keep track of the complex family ties and historical contexts ✔ A comprehensive index, making it easier to reference key characters, themes, and events Depth of Storytelling & Themes The Mahabharata is not just a war epic; it is a vast ocean of knowledge, ethics, and human emotions. This version provides a deeply immersive reading experience, covering: ✔ The Kurukshetra War, one of the greatest battles in mythological history ✔ Philosophy, morality, and duty (dharma), with profound discussions, including the Bhagavad Gita ✔ Intricate character arcs, from the righteousness of Yudhishthira to the tragic destiny of Karna and the tactical brilliance of Krishna ✔ Mythological narratives, interwoven with cosmic origins, divine interventions, and supernatural occurrences ✔ Political intrigue and strategy, as seen in the power struggles between the Pandavas and Kauravas This edition does justice to the grandeur of the Mahabharata by ensuring that every philosophical discourse, dramatic event, and moral lesson remains intact. Who Should Read This? This 10-volume set is ideal for: ✔ Serious readers of mythology and Indian epics ✔ Scholars and researchers studying ancient texts and Hindu philosophy ✔ Spiritual seekers exploring dharma and karmic principles ✔ Lovers of historical fiction and grand narratives ✔ Anyone looking for a deeper understanding of Indian culture and traditions Pros & Cons ✅ Pros: ✔️ Unabridged and scholarly translation, ensuring accuracy and depth ✔️ High-quality binding and print, making it a durable collector’s item ✔️ Detailed footnotes, commentary, and indexes for deeper comprehension ✔️ Retains the grandeur and complexity of the original epic ✔️ A complete literary and philosophical experience ❌ Cons: ➖ Requires commitment due to its length and depth ➖ Some editions may use archaic English, making certain sections difficult for modern readers ➖ Expensive, though justified for the sheer volume and quality of content Final Verdict The Mahabharata (10-Volume Box Set) is the ultimate version of this timeless epic, delivering rich storytelling, deep philosophy, and historical grandeur in a format that is both scholarly and accessible. Whether you seek literary brilliance, spiritual wisdom, or historical insight, this box set is a treasure trove of knowledge that belongs in every serious reader’s collection. ⭐ Rating: 9.8/10 – A literary masterpiece that stands the test of time!

WOW! I love reading books from other cultures and this did not disappoint. Halfway through the set and love it! Took Vol. 1 with me to the hospital after a fall, and the next four volumes went with me to rehab at a nursing home. Recommend for readers with patience and a love of detail.

If you want a complete copy of the massive epic that is the Mahabharata, this is the one to get. There simply is no comparison to the other multi-volume sets you'll find anywhere else (That includes the kindle version, and I own both the kindle and physical boxed sets). Sure there are other collections being translated, but they are (mostly) incomplete and are still being published, this is the one of the few that really covers the massive scope of the story in a complete package. There's the M. N. Dutt 9 volume set as well, which has the Sanskrit text, though completely discounting the price difference between the two sets this one still comes out ahead for me. I ended up gifting my Dutt volumes away and keeping this one for myself. I also much preferred the writing here to Ganguli's translation, and good luck finding a complete printed set of Ganguli's version that comes anywhere near the quality of this boxed set. Everything from the size of the font in the printed version, to the translated prose, elevates this one to the top for me (though I know that opinion is going to be contentious) I really didn't find anything wrong with the paper quality of the books (and I own thousands of books). To be honest, if you're nitpicking about the quality of paper when buying a one of a kind complete set like this that exists nowhere else, you're going to end up waiting many more years for one of the other editions to be completed. The paper was a complete non-issue to me, and at no point in reading them did the thought ever cross my mind. If you're investing in a complete Mahabharata, I'd recommend starting with kindle copies of the first volumes of the various versions available to make the best decision. Nobody can tell you what translation is going to be easiest for you to digest, but you can certainly find that out on your own without having to buy the whole set at once. Note: If you're going to get this box set, also get Debroy's translation of Harivamsha, the "epilogue" to the Mahabharata. I also highly recommend watching Debroy's presentations on the Mahabharata available on youtube that he has given.

Ten volumes in an open ended box with back of books exposed - well made books and 6" x 8" x 16" box. Wow this is a large set of books. The first volume is difficult to read with all the Indian words and names. Once past that part - so far about 55 pages - the story should begin. It will take me years to get through this set. Each book is about 500 pages so you're looking at about 5,000 pages. I'm looking forward to the actual story to begin.

Beautiful prose - looking forward to revisiting the stories of Mahabharata. The paper and binding is of great quality.

Let it be known that I have yet to read this and am unfamiliar with the story other than very basic facts, so this review will have no feedback on the quality of the english translation itself. The box set is well made. It came well packaged (which was a good thing because the box it was shipped in went through the ringer during transit based on the condition it arrived in). The only damage i have seen so far is slightly on the bottoms of a couple of the volumes, the spines look like they got pushed against something (which was probably during transit). If the ten volumes didn’t tip you off then be prepared for a long read. I did the math and all ten volumes come out to 5,933 pages total. I don’t know enough about the story to know if the cover photos holds any significance or if it is simply aesthetic, but the photographs on each volume are nice to look at. The only things I wish were different are that the box itself is pretty bland (it’s mostly just black with an image of the volume covers on the back and then the covers of volumes 2 and 9 on each side. They could have gotten more creative with it) and that there is a big blank white sticker on the top of the boxset that will not come off. It’s being used to cover up a blurb about the publishing information and is just an ugly white rectangle. Other than that I am very satisfied.

After reading “ Bhagavat Gita as it is” I bought two different editions of Mahabharata to learn more about the story of Kurukshetra battle,one retold by Krishna Dharma ( 955 pages) and another was The Illustrated Mahabharata. Both books were great and useful for me, but they were just abridged versions. If you want just to educate yourself, read them, but if you want to know a true story with all details of ancient storytelling and truly feel how advance and intelligent were people living in Bharatavarsha 5,000 (!!!) years ago ( yes, The Mahabharata was written not for the highest casts like Brahmans and Kshatrias, but for ordinary people), get this edition! I am impressed by translation from extremely advanced and difficult for modern people Sanskrit to English made by BIBEK DEBROY! Some customers mentioned here as if “ low quality of paper”. I disagree and let’s it won’t stop you from buying this GEM! I am just at the beginning of my journey reading this masterpiece, and every moment is full of delight and amazement!

There have been many translations of the Mahabharata, but this one by Debroy, published by Penguin India, stands out for its clarity and readability. It avoids the older Victorian style of English (in case of Ganguli's), which can be hard for modern readers, and it also leaves out Sanskrit transliteration, making the text more accessible to a wider audience. As someone who frequently buys books online, I’ve usually been happy with the quality of what I receive. However, I’ve had mixed experiences with Penguin India’s locally printed editions in the past—often finding the ink smudged and the paper quality lacking. On the other hand, Penguin’s imported editions from the UK or US have always impressed me with their excellent production standards. Because of this, I was hesitant to purchase this edition, especially considering the price (₹2500). But I’m glad I took the chance. While the paper quality could still be improved, it’s much better than what I’ve seen before. The book set came well-packaged in two layers—the outer box had some minor damage, but the inner box was in good condition, and the ten volumes inside were well-protected. Overall, I’m quite satisfied with this edition. The translation is reader-friendly, and the production quality is decent. A good choice for anyone looking to explore the Mahabharata in a modern and approachable form.

I like the quality of the books, which come in a convenient display case. I also like the fact that the seller managed to get the book set safely from India to Canada within two weeks. I look forward to reading Bibek Deboy's translation of this great work. Penguin is famous for for publishing excellent English translations.

This a great translation of the Mahabharata, following on the BORI edition exactly and without any interpretation and retelling by the author. Many other translations are a loose retelling with embellishments and additions such as Ramesh Menons fantasy-genre version. This is one is as close to the original Sanskrit as you can get and is very readable. Swestbooks, the seller was brilliant. Item arrived sooner than predicted, very reasonably priced and was well packaged. Would recommend seller and book both.

Edición completa en Inglés a un precio muy economico. Si buscar los libros por separado sale mucho mas caro y puede que no todos los volúmenes sean de la misma edición. En español existe una versión completa, la única y es una traducción argentina que no està en amazon. Normalmente se puede comprar a través de la casa del Tibet, almenos en Barcelona. Igualmente el precio por volúmes es Caro. Esta Edición es de una calidad media, però mas que acceptable y por menos de 100€. La caja de cartón es robusta Contento con el producto y el envío

Fast shipping great price amazing read