Object of the team of V.S. Sukthankar

The object of the team of V.S. Sukthankar was to prepare the critical edition of the Mahabharata.

Explanation:

The Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic that consists of stories, teachings, and philosophical discussions. It is a vast text with multiple versions and variations across different regions of India. Over time, it has been subjected to numerous additions, deletions, and interpolations, making it challenging to determine the original content and structure of the epic.

To address this issue, the team led by V.S. Sukthankar undertook the task of preparing a critical edition of the Mahabharata. A critical edition aims to establish the most reliable and authentic version of a text by comparing various manuscripts, identifying the original readings, and eliminating later additions or corruptions.

Benefits of preparing a critical edition:

1. Preservation of the original content: By critically analyzing different versions of the Mahabharata, the team aimed to identify the original content and preserve it for future generations.

2. Elimination of interpolations: Over time, several interpolations and additions were made to the Mahabharata, which distorted its original form. The critical edition aimed to eliminate these interpolations and present a more accurate representation of the epic.

3. Establishment of a scholarly standard: The critical edition provided a standardized text that scholars and researchers could refer to while studying and interpreting the Mahabharata. It ensured consistency and reliability in the understanding of the epic.

Process of preparing a critical edition:

1. Collection of manuscripts: The team collected various manuscripts of the Mahabharata from different regions and libraries. These manuscripts were often written in different languages and scripts, adding to the complexity of the task.

2. Comparison and analysis: The team compared the different versions of the text to identify variations, additions, and deletions. They analyzed the language, style, and content of each manuscript to determine their authenticity and chronological order.

3. Selection of the original readings: Based on the analysis, the team selected the readings that were most likely to represent the original content of the Mahabharata. They considered factors such as consistency, coherence, and historical context while making these selections.

4. Elimination of corruptions: The team identified corruptions, interpolations, and later additions in the text and eliminated them from the critical edition. This involved careful examination of the language, grammar, and textual references.

5. Publication: Once the critical edition was prepared, it was published, making it available to scholars, researchers, and readers interested in studying the Mahabharata in its most authentic form.

In conclusion, the team led by V.S. Sukthankar aimed to prepare a critical edition of the Mahabharata to establish the most reliable and authentic version of the epic. This involved comparing different manuscripts, selecting the original readings, and eliminating interpolations and corruptions. The critical edition provided a scholarly standard for the study and interpretation of the Mahabharata.