Scholars have attempted to construct a critical edition, relying mostly on a study of the "Bombay" edition, the "Poona" edition, the "Calcutta" edition and the "south Indian" editions of the manuscripts. The differences between the Northern and Southern recensions are particularly significant, with the Southern manuscripts more profuse and longer. Except for the sections containing the Bhagavad Gita which is remarkably consistent between the numerous manuscripts, the rest of the epic exists in many versions. The Mahabharata manuscripts exist in numerous versions, wherein the specifics and details of major characters and episodes vary, often significantly. The oldest parts in the surviving version of the text probably date to about 400 BCE. The work is written in Classical Sanskrit and is a composite work of revisions, editing and interpolations over many centuries. The story of Arjuna is told in the Mahabharata, one of the Sanskrit epics from the Indian subcontinent.
Brihannalā (बृहन्नला) – another name assumed by Arjuna for the 13th year in exile.Krishnā (कृष्णा) – He who is of dark complexion and conducts great purity.Pārtha (पार्थ) – son of Pritha(or Kunti).Gāndīvadhārī (गाण्डीवधारी) – holder of a bow named Gandiva.Mahābāhu (महाबाहु) – one with large and strong arms.