ABSTRACT

It is often suggested that the early historic northwestern region is ‘foreign’ or ‘other’ from the perspective of the ‘indigenous’ society of Madhyadeśa.Gandhāra is simply referred to as one in the list of regions considered ‘foreign’ and outside the framework of the Brahmanical tradition. This chapter examines the plurality of Gandhāra with a specific focus on the Sanskrit epic Mahābhārata. It explores the representation of Gandhāra in the text and the extent to which it can be considered culturally integrated or separated from the larger Indic tradition. The chapter argues that Gandhāra may not be perceived as existing beyond the mainland Brahmanical tradition, considering that the most important retelling (material addition or composition) of the epic itself may have happened in the region. The connection is also evident from the portrayal of central characters such as Gāndhārī and Śakuni. Moreover, several regional mythological, religious, social and cultural practices appear to have been incorporated into the narrative in interesting ways.