The Mahabharata one of the major epics of India is a sourcebook complete by itself as well as an open text constantly under construction. This volume looks at transactions between its modern discourses and ancient vocabulary. Located amid conversations between these two conceptual worlds the volume grapples with the epicâs problematisation of dharma or righteousness and consequently of the ideal person and the good life through a cluster of issues surrounding the concept of agency and action. Drawing on several interdisciplinary approaches the essays reflect on a range of issues in the Mahabharata including those of duty motivation freedom selfhood choice autonomy and justice both in the context of philosophical debates and their ethical and political ramifications for contemporary times. This book will be of interest to scholars and researchers engaged with philosophy literature religion history politics culture gender South Asian studies and Indology. It will also appeal to the general reader interested in South Asian epics and the Mahabharata. . Language: English