Myths

When the Mahabharata and Ramayana were taking place in India, what was happening in the rest of the world? Why did the Gods mentioned in the Mahabharata and Ramayana confine their actions to India's boundaries? Are they just made-up stories? The Mahabharata and the Ramayana are two ancient Indian epics that hold significant cultural and religious importance in India. While they are considered mythological narratives, their events are believed to have occurred in ancient times. However, it's important to note that the specific dates of these events are subject to debate, and they are often considered more as symbolic representations of moral and philosophical concepts rather than historical accounts. During the supposed time period of the Mahabharata, which is generally believed to have taken place around 3100 BCE, the rest of the world was undergoing various historical developments. It is important to keep in mind that the geographical and historical context of the epics is primarily centered around the Indian subcontinent. Therefore, the narratives primarily focus on events and characters within that region, as they were created within the cultural context of ancient India. Outside of India, different civilizations and cultures were flourishing. Here are some significant events and developments that occurred in various parts of the world during the estimated time of the Mahabharata: Ancient Egypt: During the early stages of the Old Kingdom (circa 2700-2200 BCE), Egypt was unified under powerful pharaohs, and monumental constructions like the Great Pyramid of Giza were being built. Mesopotamia: The Sumerian civilization in Mesopotamia was in its flourishing period. They developed the earliest form of writing known as cuneiform and built impressive cities like Ur and Uruk. Indus Valley Civilization: The Indus Valley Civilization, which was contemporary with the events of the Mahabharata, was at its peak during this time. They built well-planned cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, known for their sophisticated urban planning and advanced drainage systems. China: The Xia Dynasty (circa 2070-1600 BCE) is considered the earliest dynasty in Chinese history. Its legendary founder, Yu the Great, is said to have controlled flooding and contributed to the development of Chinese civilization. Mesoamerica: The Olmec civilization (circa 1200-400 BCE) in present-day Mexico was emerging during this time. They created monumental stone sculptures and laid the foundation for subsequent Mesoamerican civilizations. Regarding the confinement of the gods mentioned in the Mahabharata and the Ramayana to the boundaries of India, it is crucial to understand that these epics are rooted in Indian mythology and religious beliefs. The gods and their actions are depicted within the context of Hinduism, the dominant religion in India. According to Hindu mythology, gods have specific roles and responsibilities associated with the Indian subcontinent, and their interactions are centered around the narratives of these epics. It's important to note that the gods mentioned in the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, such as Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, and their divine counterparts, are revered figures in Hinduism. These epics serve as religious scriptures and are highly significant in shaping the moral, ethical, and philosophical foundations of Hindu culture. While their events may have been embellished or mythologized over time, they hold immense cultural and spiritual value for millions of people. In conclusion, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana are ancient Indian epics that primarily focus on events and characters within the Indian subcontinent. During the estimated time of their occurrence, various other civilizations around the world were undergoing their own historical developments. The confinement of the gods mentioned in these epics to India's boundaries is a reflection of the religious and mythological context in which the narratives were formed. These epics are not just made-up stories but rather deeply rooted in the cultural, religious, and philosophical traditions of ancient India. 44.5K views View 207 upvotes