The Mahabharata
An undated edition of the Mahabharata kept at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) in Kuala Lumpur. It comprises 248 pages and includes 7 miniatures.
The Mahabharata, an epic of Indian origin, is considered a holy book by Hindus. It was probably first brought to the Malay World by Hindu missionaries in the early centuries of the Common Era, either through oral narration or in the form of shadow play and drama. Written versions of the epic tales only appeared from the 16th century, as evidenced by the Early Modern Malay in which they were written.
- Information in the full article includes
- Composition
- Story outline
- Malay Mahabharata tales
- Underlying themes