Vaishampayan Commences the Core Narration of Vyasa's Text

 This post covers the transition from the preliminary framework to the actual chronological records within the Mahabharata of Kashidas. Vaishampayan outlines the necessity of the coming conflict by tracing the lineage of earthly rulers from the time of Parashurama onwards.

The text outlines the concept of the Kshetraja kings, who initially restored order and brought prosperity, followed by the covert infiltration of defeated adversarial groups into human societies. This movement destabilized the established order, prompting a organized response from higher entities who took human births to balance the system.

For a thorough examination of these foundational concepts and character identities, read the full post: https://writtenbybabu.blogspot.com/2026/06/mahabharata-of-kashidas-0028-adi.html

When Vyasa came to Janamejaya for the second time

 Kashida's Mahabharata portrayed Janamejaya differently. Its time now for Janamejaya to repent.

See what happens when Vyasa comes again.

https://writtenbybabu.blogspot.com/2026/06/mahabharata-of-kashidas-0027-when-vyasa.html

The Sub Parvas of Adi Parva

 The Adi-Parva of Mahabharata has 19 sub parvas.

Here is a summary of those 19.

https://writtenbybabu.blogspot.com/2026/06/the-19-sub-parvas-of-adi-parva-summary.html

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.