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Question

How many chapters (Parva) are there in the epic Mahabharata?

This question was previously asked in
SSC Stenographer 2017 Previous Year Paper (14-Sep-2017) (Shift 1)
The correct answer is

18

The Mahabharata is one of the major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. It narrates the struggle of the Kaurava and the Pandava princes, and the catastrophic battle associated with their disunity. Understanding the structure of this vast epic is key to studying its content.

Mahabharata Parva Count

The epic Mahabharata is traditionally divided into major sections known as Parva (which translates to chapters or books). These Parvas represent distinct parts of the narrative.

The widely accepted and traditional number of Parvas in the Mahabharata is eighteen.

Therefore, the epic comprises a total of $18$ Parvas.

The number $18$ is significant in the context of the epic, appearing in various elements, including the number of days the Kurukshetra War lasted and the number of principal leaders on the battlefield.

The eighteen Parvas are:

  • Adi Parva
  • Sabhā Parva
  • Vana Parva
  • Virata Parva
  • Udyoga Parva
  • Bhishma Parva
  • Drona Parva
  • Karna Parva
  • Shalya Parva
  • Sauptika Parva
  • Stri Parva
  • Shanti Parva
  • Anushasana Parva
  • Ashwamedhika Parva
  • Ashramavasika Parva
  • Mausala Parva
  • Mahaprasthanika Parva
  • Svargarohana Parva

Thus, the Mahabharata contains $18$ Parvas.

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