Title: Mahabharat
Producer / Director: B. R. Chopra (Producer), Ravi Chopra (Director for later episodes)
Original Run: 1988–1990 (Indian television)
Language: Hindi
Format: TV serial; episodic drama based on the Sanskrit epic Mahabharata
Episodes: 94
(Key episodes among these)
Episode 30: “Bhima and Hanuman” – Bhima meets his brother Hanuman (the monkey god) who humbles his pride.
Episode 33-35: “Jayadratha’s Abduction” – Jayadratha (Duryodhana’s brother-in-law) abducts Draupadi. Bhima captures and humiliates him, sparing his life at Yudhishthira’s request.
Episode 38: “Yudhishthira’s Test” – A yaksha (spirit) questions Yudhishthira. Famous dialogue: “What is the most wonderful thing?” Answer: “Day after day, countless men die, yet the living believe they will live forever.”
Episode 40-41: “Arjuna’s Penance and Urvashi’s Curse” – Arjuna goes to Indra’s court to obtain divine weapons. The apsara Urvashi curses him to be a eunuch for one year (which will serve him in the incognito year).
If you are planning a binge-watch of the series, do not let the 4:3 aspect ratio or the lack of modern VFX deter you. The storytelling is timeless. Unlike modern remixes that often sensationalize the narrative, this version stays true to the soul of Ved Vyasa’s original text.
Whether you are seeking spiritual solace, a lesson in history, or simply a gripping family drama, B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat delivers on every front. It is not just a TV show; it is a heritage property of Indian art. mahabharat all episodes b r chopra
Where to Watch: The complete series of 94 episodes is widely available on DVD and has been officially digitized and uploaded to YouTube by the creators (Rashtriya Saha Gatha), allowing a new generation to witness the war of Kurukshetra in high definition.
B.R. Chopra's Mahabharat is a landmark Indian television series comprising 94 episodes that originally aired on DD National from 1988 to 1990. Produced by B.R. Chopra and directed by Ravi Chopra, the series is narrated by "Time" (Samay) and follows the legendary conflict between the Pandavas and Kauravas. Major Story Arcs
The 94-episode run is broadly divided into several key narrative phases:
The Ancestry (Episodes 1–9): Begins with King Bharat and King Shantanu, covering Bhishma's vow and the births of Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidur.
The Birth of Krishna (Episodes 10–17): Focuses on Lord Krishna’s birth, childhood in Gokul, and the slaying of the tyrant Kansa.
Education & Rivalry (Episodes 18–25): The princes grow up and train under Guru Drona, culminating in the Rangbhoomi exhibition where Karna challenges Arjun.
The Conflict Escalates (Episodes 26–46): Covers the Lakshagraha (house of lacquer) plot, the Pandavas' escape, Arjun winning Draupadi's hand, and the establishment of Indraprastha. Title: Mahabharat Producer / Director: B
The Game of Dice & Exile (Episodes 47–63): Highlights the fateful game of dice, the disrobing of Draupadi, and the Pandavas' 13-year exile.
The Kurukshetra War (Episodes 64–94): The final battle, including the delivery of the Bhagavad Gita by Krishna to Arjun (Episode 74), the fall of major warriors like Bhishma and Drona, and the eventual victory of the Pandavas. Primary Episode Guide (First 30 Episodes) Major Event(s) 01
Introduction of the Kuru Family; King Bharat and King Shantanu 02-04
Ganga's conditions; Birth of Devavrata; Bhishma's terrible vow 05-07
Ambika and Ambalika; Birth of Pandu, Dhritarashtra, and Vidur; Birth of Karna 08-09
Pandu becomes King; Pandu’s curse and sanyas; Birth of the five Pandavas 10-17
Krishna's early life; The prophecy regarding Kansa; Slaying of Kansa 18-20 If you are planning a binge-watch of the
Pandu's death; Rivalry begins; Duryodhan attempts to poison Bhim 21-23 Arrival of Drona; Shastra Pooja; Introduction of Ekalavya 24-25 The Rangbhoomi tournament; Karna is crowned King of Anga 26-28
Jarasandh defeated; Krishna builds Dwarika and kidnaps Rukmini 29-30
The Lakshagraha plot; Construction of the tunnel at Varnavat How to Watch
You can find the complete series on various digital platforms:
In 2013, StarPlus produced a lavish Mahabharat with high-end CGI. In 2024, adaptations continued. Yet, the Chopra version endures. Why?
The remaining episodes are a brutal blow-by-blow account of the Kurukshetra War, interwoven with philosophy.
When B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat first aired on Doordarshan in September 1988, India stopped. Streets emptied, shops closed early, and families gathered around the single television set in the neighborhood. For 94 episodes (originally 93, later reorganized to 94), the epic unfolded with a blend of reverence, drama, and moral complexity that had never been attempted on Indian television.
Directed by his son Ravi Chopra, written by Dr. Rahi Masoom Raza (dialogues) and Pandit Narendra Sharma (lyrics), the series adapted Vyasa’s Sanskrit epic into a serialized format that remains the definitive screen version for millions. This article breaks down every major arc of the series, episode by episode.
A common confusion among new viewers: Is there a 45-episode cut?
Yes. In 2013, StarPlus re-telecast the series in an edited, faster-paced version. However, for the purist experience, you want the original 94 episodes. The shorter version cuts out subplots like Shishupala’s backstory and the full Anushasana Parva.