(i) In a Telugu version of the Mahabharata it is said that after the Pandavas led by Yudhishthira lost their property and freedom in the game of dice to Duryodhana Draupadi exercised her right to participate in the dice game. To show her contempt for her opponent she threw the dice with her foot and began to win back whatever her husbands had lost. Draupadi is worshipped as a deity in many parts of south India.

(ii) A Tamil version of the Mahabharata refers to a Pandyan queen called Alirani who hated man and ruled only with the aid of women. It is said that she conquered Arjuna in battle, and later married him.

(iii) Bhima is the central figure in the Mahabharata stories from the Himalayan region. He and his tribal wife Hidimba are primary deities in the region of Mandi in Himachal Pradesh.

(iv) The practice of polyandry still exists following the Mahabharata tradition in which Draupadi is married to the five Pandava brothers. 

(v) In the Chattisgarh version of the Mahabharata called 'Pandavani', Bhima is again the central character.

(vi) Many tribal communities of the north- east claim to be directly descended from Bhima and Hidimba. For example the Darrang Kachari of Dimapur describe themselves as 'Bhim-ni-fa', i.e. the children of Bhima.

(vii) Although many events and characters are identifiable with northern India, the Mahabharata has a rich tradition which spreads across the length and breadth of the country.

(viii) Different communities understand and transmit it in their own ways incorporating various local stories this way, the Mahabharata reflects the different cultures of the people. These range from classical narrations to folk ballads.