Mahabharata: Designs of Dharma

Description

W.E.B. Du Bois’s 1928 novel,
, stands as a profound exploration of race, identity, and international solidarity. Blending romantic narrative with political discourse, Du Bois crafts a story that transcends borders and challenges societal norms.
The narrative follows Matthew Townes, a talented African American medical student whose aspirations are thwarted by institutional racism. Disillusioned, he seeks refuge in Europe, where he encounters Princess Kautilya of the fictional Indian kingdom of Bwodpur. Their ensuing romance becomes a conduit for examining the interconnected struggles of people of color worldwide.
Structured in four parts〞”The Exile,” “The Pullman Porter,” “The Chicago Politician,” and “The Maharaja of Bwodphur”〞the novel traces Townes’s evolution from disenfranchised student to influential political figure. Through this journey, Du Bois delves into themes of racial injustice, global unity, and the quest for equality.
Though initially met with mixed reviews,
has garnered recognition for its ambitious melding of fiction and social commentary. Du Bois himself regarded it as one of his favorite works, reflecting his enduring commitment to advocating for racial justice and unity.