UNSW Library Special Collections houses a collection of 150 handbound volumes of the epic Indian poem The Mahābhārata. These volumes were translated verse-by-verse from Sanskrit to English by P. Lāl, a celebrated poet, essayist, professor, and publisher. The task of single-handedly translating The Mahābhārata spanned a period of 42 years (1968-2010), becoming Lāl’s life’s work.

The Mahābhārata is a revered epic of ancient India and is largely considered the longest poem ever written. Within its 100,000 slokas (verses) is a comprehensive exposition of dharma (code of conduct or duty), a moral concept common to many Eastern philosophies and religions. The Mahābhārata is still an often quoted and cherished classic.

The display showed a selection of these beautifully handbound books, with handloomed sari cloth in a variety of textures, patterns, and colours.

Accessibility: UNSW Main Library is wheelchair accessible and the exhibition included large-text artwork labels.

Download the Threads of The Mahābhārata art labels below.

Art label text (5.3 MB PDF), opens in a new window