The Mahabharata, attributed to Vyasa, is older than the Ramayana and describes the period from the tenth century Be to the fourth century AD. Originally, it contained 8800 verses and was called ]aya Samhita. Later, the number of verses was raised to 24,000 and the book became known as Bharata. Today, the book is called Mahabhtirata, having one lakh verses-also called Satasahsri Samhita. it includ 18 PARVA
The Ramayana, attributed to Valmiki, originally had 6,000 verses, but later the number of verses was raised to 12,000 and finally to 24,000. Its include 7 kand.
I fee: Ramayana and Bharata are not histories though they claim to be 'itihi - aasiit'.
ReplyDeleteWhat we can get from these epics: We can try identify the living environment of the people during the period when the books have taken their shape i.e. the Gupta period.
To have a different look at Valmiki Ramayana, ramayanayb.blogspot.com.