Who writes history? Much of Indian history prior to the entrance of Muslims into the region in the 1 lth century exists only in literary form, as stories and tales. Examine the Mahabharata as a historical document. What does it tells use about the time in which it was set and the person, or persons, who wrote it? You might, for instance, compare aspects of classical India with parallel features of Europe during the middle ages. What does it mean to interpret history through a work of literature?

Religion and society: Investigate the similarities and differences between Hinduism, as it is presented in the Mahabharata, and Buddhism, another great world religion with its source in India. Compare the ways in which Hinduism structures society and salvation through the caste system and the critique that Buddhism offers of this system.

What is a hero...