by Kathleen Garbutt (Translator)
The Book of Vir ta details the P ndavas' 13th year in exile, when they live disguised in King Vir ta's court. They suffer the humiliation of becoming servants; a topic explored both through comedy and pathos. Having maintained their disguise until the very end of the year, then their troubles really begin. Bhima is forced to come to Dr upadi's rescue when King Vir ta's general, K chaka, sets his sights on her. Dury dhana and the Tri-gartas decide to invade the defeated Vir ta's kingdom, unaware the P ndavas are hidden there. In the ensuing battles the P ndavas play a crucial role, save Vir ta and reveal their true identities. The book ends in celebration, with the P ndavas ready to return from exile and reclaim their kingdom. However, the battles in "Vir ta" foreshadow the war to come, proving it will not be easy.
Co-published by New York University Press and the JJC Foundation
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