Mahabharata (Bhismaparvan) review
By Mano Mohan Ghosh
Summary
This review discusses fascicles 15 and 16 of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute’s critical edition of the Bhīṣmaparvan of the Mahābhārata, prepared by V. S. Sukthankar and S. K. Belvalkar (published 1946–47). The reviewer notes that because the Bhīṣmaparvan contains the Bhagavadgītā, western scholars have long debated whether the Gītā is an interpolation. Belvalkar’s edition assembles variants from numerous manuscripts and commentaries, and his reconstructed text resembles closely the recension commented on by Śaṅkara, undermining R. Otto Schrader’s claim that the Kashmiri recension is more authentic. Belvalkar also provides extensive critical apparatus and discusses variant readings, grammatical points and textual issues. The reviewer commends the editor’s thoroughness but raises questions about the Gītā’s inclusion in the Mahābhārata, noting that two manuscripts omit it and that Devabodha’s commentary does not mention it. These omissions fuel doubts about the Gītā’s original place in the epic. Nevertheless, the edition’s careful collation and scholarly commentary make it a definitive resource. The review ends by praising Belvalkar’s expertise and expressing confidence that the ongoing critical edition of the Mahābhārata will maintain high standards.
Conclusion
The review appreciates the Bhandarkar Institute’s critical edition of the Bhīṣmaparvan for its meticulous collation of manuscripts and its clear presentation of variant readings. Belvalkar’s work refutes claims that the Bhagavadgītā exists in a superior Kashmiri recension and strengthens the case for the commonly accepted text. Yet the fact that some manuscripts omit the Gītā leaves open questions about its original status within the epic. The reviewer concludes that the edition sets a benchmark for Mahābhārata scholarship and anticipates that subsequent volumes will be equally authoritative.