The Bhagavad Gita is a significant section of the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata. The book is an episode that explores the fierce rivalry between two clans battling for the kingdom of Bharata. Written around the third century BCE, the Gita's 700 verses tackle deep questions about social and religious duty, human action, and the divine connection, thus making it a cornerstone of Hindu religious thought. It features a dialogue between Prince Arjuna, who is conflicted about fighting in a crucial battle against his own kin, and Krishna, the earthly incarnation of the god Vishnu.
The authorship of the Bhagavad Gita remains a matter of debate. Some believe in its divine origin, while others attribute it to Vyasa, a revered sage traditionally credited with composing the entire Mahabharata, including the Gita. Vyasa, also known as Krishna Dvaipayana or Veda Vyasa, is a prominent figure in Hindu tradition. Many Hindus view Vyasa as a partial incarnation of god Vishnu. However, most scholars believe that the Bhagavad Gita emerged from an oral tradition, crafted by multiple reciter-poets over centuries.