From Epics to Entertainment: Dharma in Shashi Tharoor’s Novels

Indian literature has long drawn sustenance from its vast reservoir of epics, myths, and philosophical traditions. Among these, the concept of dharma—complex, layered, and often contested—has remained central to understanding both individual conduct and collective destiny. In contemporary times, this ancient idea finds renewed expression through modern literary forms, where tradition meets reinterpretation. This book, From Epics to Entertainment: Dharma in Shashi Tharoor’s Novels, explores that very intersection.

The works of Shashi Tharoor stand as a compelling bridge between India’s mythological past and its postmodern present. Particularly in novels such as The Great Indian Novel and Show Business, Tharoor reimagines epic narratives like the Mahabharata within contemporary socio-political and cinematic frameworks. His narratives are not mere retellings; they are sharp, satirical, and insightful engagements with the enduring question of what constitutes dharma in a rapidly changing world.