Jaya, the core of the Mahabharata, unfolds as a dialogue between King Dhritarashtra, who is visually impaired, and Sanjaya, his trusted advisor and chariot driver endowed with divine vision. Sanjaya serves as a narrator, meticulously recounting the events of the 18-day Kurukshetra War in real-time.
Dhritarashtra, burdened by the knowledge of the war’s devastating consequences, frequently expresses sorrow, doubt, and guilt. He engages Sanjaya in conversations, seeking answers to his questions about the battle’s progress and lamenting the loss of loved ones. His reflections on his own role in instigating the conflict reveal a deep sense of remorse.
Before delving into the war’s specifics, Sanjaya provides a comprehensive overview of the world. He describes the various continents, planets, and, most importantly, the Indian subcontinent. His narration then shifts to a more granular level, enumerating countless kingdoms, tribes, cities, rivers, and mountains within ancient India.
Each day of the war is meticulously chronicled, with Sanjaya offering detailed accounts of military strategies, hero deaths, and the intricacies of the battlefield. His narration captures the intensity, drama, and moral dilemmas that characterized the conflict, providing a vivid portrayal of the Kurukshetra War.
