The Aṃśāvataraṇa intervention: from the Ādiparvan to Kṣemendra

Austin, Christopher 2026. The Aṃśāvataraṇa intervention: from the Ādiparvan to Kṣemendra. Asian Literature and Translation (ALT) 13 (2) , pp. 127-142. 10.18573/alt.111

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Abstract

The Mahābhārata’s Ādiparvan description of the descent of the gods (aṃśāvataraṇa, MBh 1.57–61) is retold in the Harivaṃśa (HV 30–45), which expands significantly upon the epic’s plan of and rationale for divine intervention. The first step of this paper underscores how and why the Harivaṃśa modifies and amplifies the Mahābhārata aṃśāvataraṇa, and argues that it initiates a rebranding process of sorts, such that the meaning of the war begins to turn away from its initial context of moral darkness to a simpler and brighter dharma-correction framing. In a second step, I provide a small but important example of the Harivaṃśa’s vector-effect in the later works of Kṣemendra (ca. eleventh century), namely the Bhāratamañjarī and Daśāvatāracarita. I argue that these later texts provide testimony of the Harivaṃśa’s impact on the popular reception and understanding of the epic story itself.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Subjects:	P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General)
Publisher:	Cardiff University Press
ISSN:	2051-5863
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	1 September 2026
Last Modified:	01 Sep 2026 12:38
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/189302

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