Indian historical literature was composed with a definite object. Ancient Hindu seers wanted the history books to impress the minds of individuals in such a way that they would develop a balanced approach towards life and achieve the four Purusharthas Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha during their life time. (The report of the past in the form of stories is called 'Itihas' history). It is an advice (to the individual) to achieve the Purusharthas, Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha.)

Their studies and long experience had convinced that the behavior of individuals of such a balanced mental frame in a society creates peace, prosperity, happiness and longevity in it. Seers had a conviction that events and anecdotes of history and the morals derived from them were more effective in molding the minds of the individuals than were the continuous dates of events and the names of the authors. That is why one finds a number of side stories introduced in the main story of the Mahabharata. It Is not a defect but a useful characteristic of the epic. That is the Indian way of history writing. It was done with a definite purpose.

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