Analysis of the character of Janamejaya

 Depending on which Mahabharata one is reading, the character of Janamejaya differs slightly.

An analysis of the character of the king.

https://writtenbybabu.blogspot.com/2026/05/king-janamejaya-analyzing-flaws-and-his.html

Janamejaya's Horse Sacrifice

 The king tried to conduct a horse sacrifice when he was asked not to, by Vyasa.

What happened?

Read about this, which is unique to the Bengali Mahabharata of Kashidas.

https://writtenbybabu.blogspot.com/2026/05/mahabharata-of-kashidas-0026-forbidden.html

Astika stops the sacrifice

 Janamejaya started the sacrifice. Snakes started getting pulled into the flames. Takshaka went and took refuge under Indra.

Vasuki asked Astika to intervene and Astika went there. What happened?

How is Kashidas's version different from that of Vyasa?

https://writtenbybabu.blogspot.com/2026/05/mahabharata-of-kashidas-0025-astika.html

Retelling the Classics: Kashidasi Mahabharat & Krittivasi Ramayan

 

For over a decade, these blogs have been a home for the English translation of the [Kashidasi Mahabharat / Krittivasi Ramayan]. I am grateful to the thousands of readers who have used this space as a concise reference for these Bengali vernacular classics.

While this archive will remain online for those seeking a short, direct telling of the text, I am excited to announce a new project that takes this work much deeper.

Introducing: Written by Babu

At my new site: Written by Babu, I am revisiting these texts. Instead of a translation, I am now detailing the epics page-by-page and chapter-by-chapter, providing:

• Expanded Narratives: A more immersive retelling of the stories.
• Deep Analysis: Insights into the regional nuances of Bengali traditions.

Which site should you use?

• Stay here if you need a quick, complete summary of the chapters.
• Join me at Written by Babu if you want to explore the "why" behind the stories with three new detailed posts every week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday).

Thank you for being part of this journey for the last eleven years. I look forward to seeing you in our new, more detailed home.

Resuming Mahabharata by Kashidas on Substack - 09th March 2026

 To everyone who has been following my retellings of the Mahabharata by Kashidas, I want to share a quick update.

After taking a  break (health, family and a lot more ) , I am ready to return to these texts. I will be resuming my posts on Substack starting March 9th.

 I look forward to sharing the next chapters with you all, piece by piece. Thank you for your patience and for staying connected during this hiatus.

Join the community here: writtenbybabu.substack.com

Till then you can follow the posts on Panchatantra on my substack.

My Kashidas Mahabharata Retellings Now on Substack

 For those who enjoy my retellings of the Mahabharata by Kashidas, I have news! I've started a Substack page. I'll be sharing these stories there, piece by piece, as a new way to follow along.

Come join me on Substack: https://writtenbybabu.substack.com/

Break

I will be taking a month's break and will resume in August