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Kurukshetra (Hindi) by Ramdhari Singh Dinkar is an epic poem based on the Sanskrit epic Mahabharata. Employing his vivid imagination and thoughts, Dinkar presents the readers with a classic retelling of the battle. Summary Of The Book The epic narrative of the Kurukshetra War in the Mahabharata narrates the conflict between the two warring sides, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, for the throne of Hastinapura. Spanning across 18 days, the Kurukshetra War involved many ancient kingdoms who participated in the war. In his book, Kurukshetra (Hindi), Ramdhari Singh Dinkar pens his thoughts on this royal battle. Written in the aftermath of the Second World War, Kurukshetra (Hindi) is a narrative poem based on the Shanti Parva found in the Mahabharata. It reflects Dinkar’s idea of war and peace and captures the heroic India. In Kurukshetra (Hindi), he points out that war leads to destruction, but is also necessary for the protection of one’s freedom. Kurukshetra condemns war, but also illustrates the importance of power. Power is needed not only for winning but also for forgiving. Dinkar notes that kindness, forgiveness, sacrifice, and tolerance are worthy if we have power, otherwise they are a sign of cowardice. Dinkar analyses the justification and need for war. The book includes dialogues between Bhishma and Yudhisthira reflecting on the repercussions of war, and Yudhisthira repenting for his unfair actions. Since it was first published in 1946, Dinkar’s Kurukshetra (Hindi) has remained a favourite among readers. About Ramdhari Singh Dinkar Ramdhari Singh Dinkar is a prominent Hindi essayist, critic, and poet from India. Other acclaimed works of his include Hunkar, Rashmirathi, Rasavanti, Saamdheni, Neem ke Patte, Urvashi, Amrit Manthan, Parashuram ki Prateeksha, Mitti ki Or, Sahitya aur Samaj, and Bhaaratiya Ekta. Born in 1908, Dinkar was among the most important poets before the Indian Independence era. He completed his early education from Mokama High School and later studied at Patna College. Hailed as a Rashtrakavi for his inspiring patriotic works, Dinkar was also a freedom fighter. He was a Member of Parliament and was elected thrice to the Rajya Sabha. He was greatly influenced by Gandhi and the Gandhian movement. Dinkar also founded the Manoranjan Library. He has been awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award, Padma Bhushan, and Bharatiya Jnanpith for his contribution to Hindi literature. Dinkar was noted for his 'Veer Rasa'. He gave voice to the revolutionary movement in India, and also wrote political and social satires. He was married to Shyamavati. Dinkar died aged 65 in 1974.