Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Ancient India: Kinship, Caste and Class

Question:

According to tradition, to whom did Vyasa dictate the text of the Mahabharata?

Options:

Lord Krishna

Lord Brahma

Goddess Saraswati

Lord Ganesha

Correct Answer:

Lord Ganesha

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option 4 - Lord Ganesha

Lord Ganesha was the scribe according to tradition, and Vyasa dictated the text of the Mahabharata to the deity.

Additional information in this context:

Ganesha is traditionally considered the scribe of the Mahabharata because of a fascinating legend from Hindu mythology. According to the legend, the sage Vyasa, who composed the Mahabharata, sought the help of Ganesha to write it down.

Vyasa had a monumental task ahead of him: to compose the epic Mahabharata, which is one of the longest poems ever written. However, he faced a unique challenge. He wanted someone who could write down the verses as fast as he could compose them, and who would also understand the depth and complexity of his thoughts instantly.

Vyasa approached Ganesha, the revered elephant-headed deity known for his wisdom and intellect, and requested his assistance. Ganesha, known as the god of wisdom and literature, agreed to help but put forth a condition. He agreed to write down the verses, but only on the condition that Vyasa would not pause while reciting the verses. Vyasa, in turn, placed a counter-condition: Ganesha must understand the verses completely before writing them down.

This unique collaboration between Vyasa and Ganesha resulted in the creation of the Mahabharata. Ganesha wrote down the epic using one of his tusks as a pen, and Vyasa composed the verses without any interruption. This is why Ganesha is often depicted as the scribe of the Mahabharata, symbolizing not just his role in physically transcribing the epic but also his role as the embodiment of wisdom and understanding.