The growth of the Mahabharata continued beyond its Sanskrit version. Throughout the centuries, the epic underwent a dynamic evolution with versions written in various languages, influenced by ongoing dialogues between diverse peoples and communities, as well as the writers of the texts. Numerous stories that originated in specific regions or circulated among particular groups found their place in the epic's narrative. Simultaneously, the central story of the Mahabharata was often retold in diverse manners, while its episodes were beautifully depicted in sculptures and paintings. Furthermore, these tales served as a rich source of inspiration for a wide range of performing arts, including plays, dances, and other narrative forms.

How did the Mahabharata episodes contribute to various performing arts?

1) By promoting visual arts only
2) By providing themes for novels and poems
3) By inspiring plays, dance, and other narrations
4) By fostering scientific research and development

3

The growth of the Mahabharata continued beyond its Sanskrit version. Throughout the centuries, the epic underwent a dynamic evolution with versions written in various languages, influenced by ongoing dialogues between diverse peoples and communities, as well as the writers of the texts. Numerous stories that originated in specific regions or circulated among particular groups found their place in the epic's narrative. Simultaneously, the central story of the Mahabharata was often retold in diverse manners, while its episodes were beautifully depicted in sculptures and paintings. Furthermore, these tales served as a rich source of inspiration for a wide range of performing arts, including plays, dances, and other narrative forms.