In Hindu culture, the Mahabharata holds a great significance; it can be read as a scripture, an epic, a moral fable (though a long one!), or just as a family saga. However, for most Hindus, the various facets of human nature in the Mahabharata serve as guidelines on the nuances of Dharma too.
I have read several different versions of the Mahabharata, including those by C. Rajagopalachari (my favourite) and Devdutt Pattanaik.
Check the The Economic Times graphic, featured below, on the Mahabharata.
Click on the graphic for a larger view.