Aru Shah & Indian Mythology

Aru Shah centers around the stories of the Pandava. These tales are written down mostly in the Mahabharata, which was a Sanskrit epic and one of the two major epics in India. (The other is the Ramayana.) 

The Pandavas were the sons of Pandu, the king of Hastinapur. For a strange reason, instead of taking multiple wives (as was the custom of the day), they all married the same woman. Her name was Draupadi, and she was the daughter of the king of Panchala. 


The Mahabharata mostly tells of the war with their cousin, the Kauravas. There are three main Hindu gods in what is called the Trimurti. There is Brahma, the creator, Vishnu, the preserver, and Shiva, the destroyer. 

Brahma was the first god -- this is why he was known as the Svayambhu, or the self-born. The second god is Vishnu. He is known as the preserver, a protector god. He is usually shown with blue skin. 

The last god in the Trimurti is Shiva, the destroyer. Interestingly, the god of destruction is also the god of meditation and yoga. He is known as the supreme destroyer and Lord of the Devas. There are over 33 million Hindu gods!

For this unit, the Aru Shah books are our spine read.

Access the complete unit study in the World Mythology Unit Studies Bundle!

Includes sixteen unit studies covering world mythologies. Each unit addresses a new topic, spanning ancient through modern history.

• Each unit has introductory text, which will give the student basic background information about the topic at hand.
• There are photographs and illustrations, and we have also included primary documents when available.
• After this text, there are featured videos, which augment the background information and help make the topic more accessible for more visual students.
• You will also find a short list of reading books, including a featured novel that the unit builds upon.
• There are vocabulary words, places, and people to identify.
• Reading comprehension, critical thinking questions, and writing assignments are included.
• We add fun with hands-on activities and extra videos to watch that will bring the era to life.

Product sample:  Percy Jackson & Greek Mythology

These studies are directed toward upper grades students, but some have resources for younger students so that the whole family can work together. Our family has used unit studies as curriculum for many years, and we hope that your family will enjoy these, too!