Reference to Glassmaking in Indian Epic Mahabharata

Introduction:
The Indian epic Mahabharata is one of the oldest and longest epic poems in the world. It consists of over 100,000 couplets and is believed to have been written around 400 BCE. The Mahabharata is not only a religious and philosophical text but also a historical and cultural document that provides valuable insights into ancient Indian society.

Reference to Glassmaking:
The Mahabharata contains several references to various crafts and industries, including glassmaking. The first reference to glassmaking in India is found in the Mahabharata, where it is described as a craft practiced by the Asuras or demons.

According to the Mahabharata, the Asura king Maya was an expert in many crafts, including architecture, sculpture, and glassmaking. He was known for his ability to create illusions and magical structures. One of his most famous creations was the palace of illusions, which he built for the Pandavas, the heroes of the epic.

In the Mahabharata, Maya is described as using glass to create various objects, including mirrors, windows, and even weapons. The text also mentions the use of glass in jewelry making and suggests that it was highly valued for its beauty and rarity.

Conclusion:
The reference to glassmaking in the Mahabharata is a testament to the advanced technological and artistic skills of ancient Indian craftsmen. It also provides valuable insights into the cultural and social context in which these crafts were practiced. The Mahabharata continues to be an important source of information for historians, archaeologists, and scholars interested in ancient Indian history and culture.

Answer:

Introduction:
The Indian subcontinent has a rich history of art and craft, including glassmaking. The first reference to glassmaking in India was found in one of the ancient Indian epics.

The Correct Answer:
The correct answer is option 'B,' Mahabharata.

Explanation:
Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. It is a story of a great war between two branches of a royal family, the Pandavas and the Kauravas. The epic is a treasure house of cultural and historical information about ancient India. It contains several references to glassmaking, which suggest that the craft was well-established in India during that time.

One such reference is found in the Adi Parva of the Mahabharata. It describes how the Pandavas built a crystal palace for their cousin, the king of the Kuru dynasty. The palace was made entirely of glass, and its walls, floors, and ceilings were so transparent that one could see everything outside and inside the palace.

Another reference to glassmaking is found in the Sabha Parva of the Mahabharata. It describes how the Kauravas built a hall of mirrors for their queen, which was made entirely of glass. The hall was decorated with various kinds of precious stones and gems, which reflected the light and created a dazzling effect.

These references suggest that glassmaking was a highly developed craft in ancient India, and the artisans who practiced it were skilled in creating intricate designs and patterns. Glass was used not only for decorative purposes but also for practical purposes such as building structures and utensils.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the first reference to glassmaking in India was found in the Mahabharata, one of the ancient Indian epics. The references suggest that glassmaking was a well-established craft in ancient India, and the artisans who practiced it were highly skilled in creating intricate designs and patterns.