Keywords
Medical Humanities
Assisted Reproduction
Kinship
Reproductive Ethics
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction: This study highlights how the Mahabharata, a narrative epic, describes reproductive methods that
presage contemporary reproductive procedures and familial connections. These include extracorporal gestation, niyoga
(surrogate reproduction), divine conception, ayonija birth (non-womb birth, embryo splitting, proto-epigenetics, and
social constructions found within the Mahabharata.
This research seeks to explore how the Mahabharata, an epic, presents reproductive techniques, foreshadowing modern
procreative practices and kinship arrangements. It unveils extracorporeal gestation (development outside the body),
niyoga (proxy reproduction), divine conception (non-human genetic agency), ayonija birth (non-womb birth), embryo
division, proto-epigenetics and socially constructed practices used in the epic.
Objectives: This review aims to explore the reproductive concepts in theMahabharataand meaningfully relate to modern
reproductive technologies, especially with ethical complexity, kinship, and the separation of biological, gestational, and
social roles.
Methodology: This study will use a qualitative methodology to study a chosen set of reproductive stories from the
Mahabharata through a medical humanities perspective by drawing parallels between ancient and contemporary
reproduction practices.
Results: The Mahabharata presents multiple reproductive models. Niyoga and divine conception employ mediated
reproduction. These forms separate biological, social, and gestational parenthood. In Kunti’s case, selective reproduction
is evident. Ambika and Ambalika experience psychological influence in childbirth. In the case of the Kauravas,
extracorporeal development is observed.
Conclusion: These observations suggest that reproductive themes from the Mahabharat have a significant connection
with modern reproductive technology in terms of ethics, kinship ties, and dissociation between biological, gestational,
and social aspects.
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