Parva: A Tale of War, Peace, Love, Death, God and Man

Book Details
• Publisher: Sahitya Akademi
• Author: S. L. Bhyrappa
• Language: English
• Pages: 964
• Edition: 2023
• Cover: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9788172016593
• Dimensions: 23 cm x 14 cm (9.0 x 5.5 inches)
• Weight: 1.30 kg

About the Book
Parva is widely regarded as S. L. Bhyrappa’s greatest novel and one of the masterpieces of modern Indian literature. This monumental work reinterprets the ancient legend of the Mahabharata as a modern novel, presenting the epic narrative through a deeply human and analytical perspective. The central event—the Bharata war—is portrayed as a symbol of the birth pangs of a new world order, reflecting a heroic yet ultimately futile attempt to preserve an existing social structure in the face of inevitable change.

The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives of the characters involved in the conflict, combining narration, dialogue, monologue, and commentary. The novel examines the political, social, psychological, and philosophical dimensions of the Mahabharata, offering a realistic portrayal of human motivations, ethical dilemmas, and the complexities of power and duty. With irony, compassion, and objectivity, the story presents a tragic yet hopeful vision of life and humanity.

S. L. Bhyrappa, one of the foremost Kannada novelists, brings extensive research and historical inquiry to this work. Drawing on studies of Vedic culture, geography, and social customs associated with the Mahabharata, the author reconstructs the epic world with remarkable depth. The result is a powerful literary achievement that blends myth, history, and modern sensibility, making Parva an important contribution to Indian fiction.