Show HN: Ithihāsas – a character explorer for Hindu epics, built in a few hours

Ithihāsas is a recently launched web application designed to make the vast and intricate narratives of Hindu epics, specifically the Mahābhārata and Rāmāyaṇa, more accessible. The creator built this tool to address the common challenge of exploring these texts online, where content is often scattered, overwhelmingly long-form, or difficult to navigate for specific character information without opening multiple tabs.

• The platform provides a non-linear approach to understanding the epics, allowing users to explore characters and their interconnections rather than requiring a sequential read-through.
• It functions as a character explorer, emphasizing the relationships and dynasties within the sacred narratives.
• The initial version of Ithihāsas was developed remarkably quickly, within a few hours, as an experiment using Claude CLI for content generation and accelerating the development process.
• While AI significantly aided in content structuring and speed, the creator noted that user experience and data consistency still required manual attention.
• Key features highlighted include a Force Graph for visualizing connections, Dynasty Trees to map lineages, Chord Diagrams for relational insights, and detailed Character Profiles.
• The author is actively seeking feedback on the user experience and the effectiveness of this mythological exploration method.

This project stands out as a clever application of modern web technologies and AI to an age-old cultural challenge, offering a fresh perspective on ancient wisdom and serving as a testament to efficient development practices.