The Mahabharata holds immense significance in ancient Indian culture as one of the two major Sanskrit epics, alongside the Ramayana. Composed over centuries, it encompasses a vast array of themes, including duty (dharma), righteousness, and the complexity of human relationships. The epic’s core narrative revolves around the Kurukshetra War and is framed within larger philosophical discourses, including the Bhagavad Gita, which addresses moral dilemmas and spiritual insights. The Mahabharata serves not only as a historical record of ancient Indian society but also as a guide for ethical living and governance, influencing Indian philosophy, culture, and religion for centuries.