Assignment:A Comparative Analysis of Political intrigue and Ambition " Absalom and Achitophel" and the " Mahabharata"

 This blog is part of an assignment for the paper 101 literature of Elizabeth and Restoration periods, sem- 1 , 2023

* Table of contents:

• Personal Information
• Assignment detail
• Introduction
• Background Information 
• Comparison of Themes
• Character Analysis
• Conclusion
• References

* Personal Information:

• Name: Maruniya Jay B

• Batch: M.A sem 1

• Enrollment No: 5108230027

• Roll No: 15

• Email ID: maruniyajay2018@gmail.com

* Assignment Details:

• Topic: A Comparative Analysis of Political intrigue and Ambition "Absalom and Achitophel" and the " Mahabharata"

• Paper and subject code: 101- Literature of Elizabeth and Restoration periods ( 22392)

• Submitted To: smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavanagar 

• Date of submission:01/December/2023

* Introduction:

• " Absalom and Achitophel"

Absalom and Achitophel is a satirical poem written by John Dryden published in 1681 and is written in heroic couplet. It narrates the Biblical rebellion of Absalom against King David. It is an allegory used to represent the story that was contemporary to Dryden [1679-1681] that concerned King Charles II. It also has reference to the Popish Plot 1678and the Monmouth rebellion 1685.1681, a crisis occurred in the conflict between Shaftesbury and his followers, who wished to exclude the Catholic Duke of York from succession to the throne and those who stood with the King himself in favor of true succession. Towards the end of the year,Shaftesbury was to be brought before the Grand jury and Dryden was asked by the King himself to write a poem in opposition tothe pamphlets stating the Whig case. Its publication was timed to influence the case of Shaftesbury’s trial but he was acquitted by the grand jury.

Dryden wrote a narrative poem describing the events which had led to that particular situation in the manner in which the King’s followers wanted them to be viewed. He paints the official picture. The poetical intention of the poem is emphasized by the fact that the concluding speech from the throne summarizes several of the arguments put forward in the official defense of the dissolution of the parliament.

• "  The Indian epic " Mahabharata "

The Mahabharata is an Indian epic where the main story revolves around two branches of a family – the Pandavas and the Kauravas, who in the Kurukshetra war, battle for the throne of Hastinapur. Interwoven into this narrative are several smaller stories about people dead or living and philosophical discourses. Krishna Dwaipayan Vyasa, himself a character in the epic,composed it; as according to tradition, he dictated the verses and Ganesha wrote them down.

100000 verses, it is the longest 

epic poem ever written, generally thought to have been composed in the 4th century BC or earlier.The events in the epic play out in the Indian subcontinent and surrounding areas. It was first narrated by a student of Vyasa at a snake sacrifice of the great grandson of one of the major characters of the story.

Including within it the Bhagavad Gita, the Mahabharata is one of the most 

important texts of an ancient Indian, indeed world literature. It is said that ,

        कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।

"You have the right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions."

It means something which is not in Mahabharata, that is not found in Bharata. This line is the biggest compliment for the book. within the 

Indian tradition it is sometimes called the fifth Veda.

*  background Information:

• Background Information on " Absalom and Achitophel"

The poem uses the biblical story of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David, as a parallel to the political events of the time, specifically the Exclusion Crisis in England.In the poem, King David represents King Charles II, Absalom symbolizes Charles's illegitimate son, James, Duke of Monmouth, and Achitophel is a character representing the Earl of Shaftesbury, a key figure in the Exclusion Crisis. The crisis revolved around the question of whether James, a Roman Catholic, should be excluded from the throne, given the predominantly Protestant political climate in England.

• Background Information of " Mahabharata"

The epic revolves around the Kurukshetra War, a great battle between two branches of the Kuru dynasty—the Pandavas and the Kauravas. It explores complex themes such as dharma (righteousness), karma (action), and the nature of existence. The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture, is a part of the Mahabharata and is a conversation between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, who serves as his charioteer.The Mahabharata is not just a war narrative; it contains various sub-stories, including the famous tale of Bhishma, the birth of Krishna, and the adventures of the Pandavas in exile. The epic also includes the "Mahabharata War," a conflict with profound moral and philosophical implications.

Comprising over 100,000 shlokas (verses), the Mahabharata is divided into 18 parvas (books), with the Bhishma Parva and the Bhagavad Gita being notable sections.

  

* Comparison of Themes:

• Political intrigue

Political intrigue in " Absalom and Achitophel"

"Absalom and Achitophel" is a satirical poem by John Dryden that allegorically addresses political events in 17th-century England, particularly the Exclusion Crisis. The poem explores the intrigue surrounding the succession to the throne and the political maneuvering of various characters. Notable figures, such as King David (representing Charles II) and his son Absalom (representing James Scott, Duke of Monmouth), are portrayed in a thinly veiled narrative of political betrayal and manipulation. The character Achitophel, representing the Earl of Shaftesbury, plays a key role as a scheming advisor. The poem delves into themes of loyalty, power, and the consequences of political machinations.( Daly)

"Great wits are sure to madness near allied, and thin partitions do their bounds divide." ( line 160- 163)

This line reflects on the delicate balance between genius and insanity in the context of political power struggles.

Furthermore,Absalom's rebellion, embodying the aspirations of James, Duke of Monmouth, extends beyond a simple power struggle. It encapsulates the anxieties surrounding the succession and the potential shift in religious dynamics, given James's Catholicism. Achitophel's role as the mastermind strategist mirrors the political machinations of Shaftesbury and others seeking to exclude James from the throne.

"Nor is the people's judgement always true:

The most may err as grossly as the few."(781-782)

• Political intrigue in " Mahabharata "

Some political intrigue from the  show Mahabharata.

There’s no point in occupying the high moral ground if you lose in the process

Contemporary Indian politics is often saturated with an obsession over maintaining the high moral ground, no matter the cost. As the Diplomat reported previously, this mode of thinking led to a disastrous war with China in 1962. This idealism has always been present in Indian thinking, and has often been disastrous. In an anecdotal story, the Hindu king Prithviraj Chauhan defeated and captured the Muslim Afghan invader Mahmud of Ghor in the 1191 first Battle of Tarain. However, he released his prisoner as that was considered morally correct. In 1192, Mahmud returned, and defeated, captured, and executed Prithviraj, an event that lead to Muslim rule over the entire Ganges river valley, the heartland of India.In the Mahabharata, Krishna on the other hand, recommends the use of deceitful and immoral strategies in the service of moral causes. The ends justify the means when major issues are at stake.(Pillalamarri)

War is sometimes justified

हतो वा प्राप्स्यसि स्वर्गं जित्वा वा भोक्ष्यसे महीम्।

तस्मादुत्तिष्ठ कौन्तेय युद्धाय कृतनिश्चयः॥ २-३७

(Die, and you will win heaven; conquer, and you will enjoy sovereignty of the earth;

therefore, stand up Arjuna, determined to fight. )

The Hindu tradition has acquired a reputation for being exclusively non-violent, due to the influence of Gandhi. Gandhi argued, to an extreme, that it would be better to uphold the principle of non-violence over resorting to violence for any cause, even in self-defense. On the other hand, the Mahabharata accepts the idea of a just war. According to Shakuni, war is an option that should only be resorted to after political solutions fail, but once resorted to, it ought to be fought to its conclusion. The epic’s Krishna also tells Arjuna, a Pandava, that once a war breaks out, , it is not only justifiable but mandatory to fight if it is for a good cause. It is also mandatory to resort to war to bring about a desired conclusion rather than to walk away from violence out of the principle of non-violence. Modern India’s treatment of war and its military often seems half-hearted and restrained because of its deep discomfort with power on moral grounds. However, it would do well to remember that only by accepting the use of power can it truly achieve its goals.

Rules and customs ought to be interpreted flexibly

Throughout the Mahabharat, both Krishna and Shakuni argue that rules and customs should serve certain social functions and that when they cease to do so, they should be discarded or loosely followed. Duty can thus be amended when it pursues a course of action that is inflexible.In the Mahabharata, the Panadavas felt honor bound to play a game of dice to the end, even though it resulted in the gambling away of their kingdom and their queen. In many parts of India today, a bloated sense of following a narrow rule-based honor leads to caste-based discrimination or violence against women. If following such a strict sense of morality leads to actions that are immoral, then it is better to evaluate one’s notion of duty and honor.

• Ambition:

* Ambition on " Absalom and Achitophel"

In "Absalom and Achitophel,"  ambition plays a central role in the political intrigue and power struggles depicted. The character of Absalom, representing the Duke of Monmouth, is driven by ambition to challenge his father, King David (Charles II). Similarly, Achitophel, a crafty advisor, manipulates Absalom's ambition for his own political agenda. The poem explores how unchecked ambition can lead to political unrest and betrayal, serving as a cautionary tale about the consequences of ambitious pursuits in the realm of power and politics.

In God ’tis glory: And when men aspire,

’Tis but a spark too much of heavenly fire.( Absalom and Achitophel)

Furthermore, the poem delves into the complexities of political allegiances and the consequences of ambition when it goes unchecked. It highlights the challenges of navigating the intricate web of power dynamics and the potential for betrayal when personal ambitions clash with the greater good. Dryden uses the biblical narrative as a backdrop to comment on the political landscape of his time, offering a reflection on the dangers of ambition in the context of leadership and governance.

For whatsoe'er their sufferings were before,

That change they covet makes them suffer more.( Absalom and Achitophel)

* Ambition on " Mahabharata"

Ambition plays a significant role in the Mahabharata, especially seen in characters like Duryodhana and his desire for power, which ultimately leads to the Kurukshetra war. On the other hand, Arjuna's ambition to uphold righteousness and fulfill his duty as a warrior is also a central theme, highlighting the contrast in motivations among the characters. The epic explores the consequences of unchecked ambition and the importance of aligning one's goals with virtuous principles.

 

परित्राणाय साधुनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम्।

धर्मसंस्थानार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे॥ ४-८

(Whenever and wherever there is a decline in religious practice, O descendant of Bharata, and a predominant rise of irreligion – at that time I descend Myself.)

Furthermore,Duryodhana, one of the key characters in the Mahabharata, exemplifies the darker side of ambition. His intense desire for power and the throne blinds him to ethical considerations, leading to conflicts with the Pandavas. Duryodhana's ambition drives him to conspire against the Pandavas, resulting in their exile and the infamous game of dice, which accelerates the path towards the Kurukshetra War.Conversely, Arjuna's ambition is grounded in his duty (dharma) as a warrior and prince. His internal struggle about fighting in the war, which involves battling his own relatives and teachers, provides a philosophical dimension to the narrative.

The Bhagavad Gita, a part of the Mahabharata, captures the discourse between Arjuna and Lord Krishna, exploring themes of duty, righteousness, and the true nature of ambition.The Mahabharata, through these characters and their ambitions, delves into the complexities of human nature, morality, and the consequences of unchecked desires. It serves as a profound epic that reflects on the balance between ambition and ethical principles.

* Character Analysis:

• Character Analysis of "Absalom and Achitophel"

the characters Absalom and Achitophel represent historical figures from the biblical story of King David. Absalom, the illegitimate son of David, symbolizes the Duke of Monmouth, an illegitimate son of Charles II. Achitophel represents the Earl of Shaftesbury, a political figure involved in the Exclusion Crisis.Absalom embodies youthful rebellion and political ambition, reflecting Monmouth's attempt to gain the throne. Achitophel, as a cunning adviser, mirrors Shaftesbury's role in plotting against the king. The poem explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of political intrigue.The characters play crucial roles in illustrating the complexities of political power struggles, with Absalom's rebellion and Achitophel's scheming serving as central elements in the narrative. The poem ultimately reflects Dryden's views on the dangers of political unrest and the importance of stability in leadership.

• Character Analysis of " Mahabharata"

Notable character are ,

Arjuna: Skilled warrior and central figure, conflicted about fighting in the Kurukshetra War.

Krishna: Arjuna's charioteer and guide, a divine incarnation with a key role in the epic.

Yudhishthira: Eldest Pandava, known for his adherence to dharma (righteousness).

Bhishma: Grandfather figure, bound by an oath of loyalty, he plays a crucial role in the conflict.

Duryodhana: Kaurava prince, driven by jealousy and rivalry with the Pandavas.

Karna: Raised as a charioteer's son, a skilled warrior with a tragic fate.

Draupadi: Common wife of the Pandavas, subjected to humiliation and a symbol of resilience.

Shakuni: Mastermind behind the Kauravas, known for his cunning and deceit.

These characters reflect complex human traits, and their interactions explore themes of duty, morality, and destiny. The Mahabharata serves as a rich source of philosophical and ethical teachings through the experiences of its diverse characters.

 * Conclusion:

"Absalom and Achitophel" by John Dryden and the Mahabharata both explore themes of political intrigue and ambition. In "Absalom and Achitophel," the power struggle between Absalom and David reflects the political landscape of Dryden's time. In the Mahabharata, the Kurukshetra war unfolds due to political disputes within the Kuru dynasty, driven by ambition and conflicting interests.both works highlight the consequences of unchecked ambition and political maneuvering. 

* References:

Daly, Patrick J. “‘Rome’s Other Hope’: Charles, Monmouth, and James in the Summer of 1676.” ELH, vol. 66, no. 3, 1999, pp. 655–76. JSTOR,http://www.jstor.org/stable/30032089 . Accessed 22 Nov. 2023.

 J.R., Oppenheimer. “Bhagavad Gita Quotes with Meaning in Hindi and English.” ReSanskrit, 20 July 2023, resanskrit.com/blogs/blog-post/bhagavad-gita-most-useful-quotes-hindi-english. 

Dryden, John. “Absalom and Achitophel by John Dryden.” Poetry Foundation, 22 Nov. 2023, www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44172/absalom-and-achitophel.

Pillalamarri, Akhilesh. “3 Political Lessons from the Mahabharat.” – The Diplomat, The Diplomat, 23 Aug. 2014, thediplomat.com/2014/08/3-political-lessons-from-the-mahabharat/. Accessed 22 Nov. 2023. 

Mohanty, Prafulla Kumar. “The ‘Mahabharata’: A Reading in Political Structuring.” Indian Literature, vol. 49, no. 1 (225), 2005, pp. 146–51. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/23346584. Accessed 22 Nov. 2023

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