Mahabharata Book Four: Virata (Clay Sanskrit Library)

The Book of Vir?ta details the P?ndavas’ 13th year in exile, when they live disguised in King Vir?ta's court. They suffer the humiliation of becoming servants; a topic explored both through comedy and pathos. Having maintained their disguise until the very end of the year, then their troubles really begin. Bhima is forced to come to Dr?upadi's rescue when King Vir?ta's general, K?chaka, sets his sights on her. Dury?dhana and the Tri·gartas decide to invade the defeated Vir?ta's kingdom, unaware the P?ndavas are hidden there. In the ensuing battles the P?ndavas play a crucial role, save Vir?ta and reveal their true identities. The book ends in celebration, with the P?ndavas ready to return from exile and reclaim their kingdom. However, the battles in “Vir?ta” foreshadow the war to come, proving it will not be easy.Co-published by New York University Press and the JJC FoundationFor more on this title and other titles in the Clay Sanskrit series, please visit http://www.claysanskritlibrary.org