The epic is set in the kingdom of the Bharatas, which flourished along the upper course of the Ganges River in northern India. Although India (known as Bharat-varsha after the Bharatas) was divided into numerous small kingdoms, it was united by a common religion and cultural heritage. The Bharatas' highly advanced civilization was displayed at Hastina, the capital city. The kingdom was one of stability and prosperity. Economic security came from the fertile soil and vast natural resources, and social stability was insured by a system of four castes: priests, warriors and kings, merchants, and servants. In such a culture, intellectual and spiritual life flourished.

There is some disagreement among scholars regarding the dates when the story was originally composed, but many agree that it reflects the development of Hindu thought from approximately 200 B.C. to A.D. 400. The historical fact on which the epic is based is...