Abhivādana as Strategic Politeness in the Mahābhārata

Abstract

Each culture and language has unique ways of expressing politeness toward elders and others. In the Sanskritic world, the Smṛtis describe social hierarchies and prescribe appropriate forms of respect and greeting. The Mahābhārata reflects some of these conventions and situates them within the context of the epic narrative. This paper examines passages from the Udyogaparvan of the Mahābhārata that illustrate such politeness strategies. Beginning with 5.30.3, a significant passage describes Saṃjaya returning to Hāstinapura after meeting the Pāṇḍavas. Yudhiṣṭhira instructs him on how to greet and show respect to each member of the royal court. In this passage, expressions of well-being and reverence are articulated in considerable detail. This paper examines this episode and interprets the instructions given by Yudhiṣṭhira to Saṃjaya as an example of strategic politeness. The study focuses particularly on instances in which the royal court hierarchy is expressed through forms of address and greeting.