Visions and Revisions in Sanskrit Narrative Studies in the Sanskrit Epics and Purāṇas, Edited by: Raj Balkaran, McComas Taylor, 2023
Bhīma is the second eldest of the five Pāṇḍavas in the Mahābhārata, known for his cartoonish char... more Bhīma is the second eldest of the five Pāṇḍavas in the Mahābhārata, known for his cartoonish characterisation as a huge man with large appetites, a formidable warrior lauded for his brute strength and a passionate partner to Draupadī. Together with his younger brother Arjuna, he is recognised as a pivotal warrior on the Pāṇḍava side. What is less appreciated is Bhīma's embodiment of a successful kṣatriya king counselling a pragmatic rājadharma (the rules or laws relating to kings) in pursuit of the throne. In contrast with Yudhiṣṭhira, who performs the ceremonial and leadership functions, and Arjuna, who embodies the ideal king, Bhīma performs the military and administrative functions of kingship in the shadow of the ideal kingly depictions of his more luminary brothers. This view of Bhīma as the shadow king is at odds with his conventional image, which does not credit him in this regard.
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