Harper Collins, the publishing giant, has announced the US release of "Dwapar Katha - The Stories of the Mahabharata."
The book, written by New Jersey-based playwright and dramatist Sudipta Bhawmik, is based on the Hindu epic Mahabharata and inspired by the immensely popular and chart-topping podcast "The Stories of Mahabharata."
In "Dwapar Katha: The Stories of the Mahabharata," Bhawmik delves into the complexities of human nature, exploring the psyches of a diverse cast of characters and uncovering their motivations and desires.
According to the writer, readers will feel Bheem's anger against the silent Yudhishtir during Draupadi’s disrobing and grieve with Duryodhan as he loses his dear friend Karna in the war. The book also examines the concepts of Dharma and Karma, following the Pandavas through the age-old tales of the Vana Parva (forest exile), where sages impart life lessons to the exiled heroes.
According to Bhawmik, the Mahabharata has inspired people in South and Southeast Asian countries but it was not relatable to the younger generation. “The Stories of the Mahabharata podcast has bridged this gap by presenting the epic in a format they are accustomed to and a language they are familiar with,” he said.
“Although the book, Dwapar Katha, takes on a more traditional print form, it retains the dramatic nature and simplicity of the podcast. I believe the book not only serves as an ideal companion to the podcast but also offers an easily comprehensible text for readers of all ages. The Mahabharata teaches us that the fundamental problems of life are eternal, and so are their solutions. This is why the Mahabharata remains so contemporary and modern,” he added.
Bhawmik, an award-winning playwright, has written nearly forty plays in both Bengali and English. He has authored four books, with his plays being produced and staged in the US, the UK, India, and Bangladesh, and translated into Hindi, Marathi, and Tamil. Bhawmik holds a Ph.D., a Master’s degree, and a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Computer Engineering from IIT Kharagpur.
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