Personality Characteristics of the Panchapandavas in the Mahabharata: An Indigenous Knowledge System Perspective through Adler’s Birth Order Theory

This paper explores the personality characteristics of the five Pandava brothers—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva—from the Mahabharata through the lens of Alfred Adler’s Birth Order Theory. The study situates this psychological analysis within the framework of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), emphasizing how ancient Indian epics convey implicit psychological insights. Through qualitative content analysis, the research identifies patterns aligning with Adler’s conceptualization of first-born, middle-born, and youngest child traits. The findings reveal a synthesis between cultural narratives and universal psychological principles, demonstrating the continuing relevance of indigenous literature to modern psychology.

Mahabharata, Panchapandavas, Adler’s Birth Order Theory, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, personality characteristics

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