We are pleased to present this book containing papers that were part of our International Conference titled 'Mahabharata Manthan: A Critical Revisit to Tangible & Intangible Heritage', a component of our Mahabharata Manthan series of programs which also included an Exhibition on the Geography, Cities and Arts, and Cultural performances, all linked to Mahābhārata.

The papers in this collection were presented between 19th - 21st July 2017 at New Delhi and reflect the themes of the conference, which mainly focused on aspects of the Epic's Historiography & Historicity, critical analysis of the 'Critical Edition of Mahabharata', (painstakingly edited and released by the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI) and also covered significant matters of geographical dimensions, archaeology, astronomical dating, intangible heritage & traditions, socio-culture and philosophical perspectives. The papers published herein reflect these multiple dimensions about the Mahabharata and also places its importance in the historical and geographical context.

Between the two famous 'Epics' of India, the Rāmāyaṇa and the Mahabharata, the latter has always been the center of 'critical analysis and comments for many reasons. Over and above the 'Critical Edition', umpteen subjective commentaries have been written on this longest poetic narration of the 'itihasa' of the 'Dwapar' era saga. At the seminar too, several critical aspects of the Mahabharata were discussed amongst the scholars and the general intelligentsia. We consider here some main points that often lead to heated 'criticism and contention'.

**Contents and Sample Pages**