I saw this funny post on social media and thought I should write about the etymological origin of the name of a character in the Mahabaratha.
The word Barbaric could be from the name BARBARIKA – in The Mahabaratha.
Barbarika is the son of Ghatotkacha (father) and Ahilawati alias Mauravi(mother) and the grandson of Bhima (or Bheema). He was a very warrior from his childhood.
He was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Ahilawati apart from being his mother, was his teacher also. . Barbarika was supposed to be a brave warrior having learned the art of unfailing victory in warfare. Lord Shiva pleased with Barbarik’s talent as a warrior granted him Three special arrows. He also got a special bow from Lord Agni (God of Fire).
Barbarika was probably the strongest warrior in Mahabharata who can finish the war in 1 minute. But when his support was found to favor only the weaker side always, it was inconsistent to decide and hence Krishna asks for his head in charity so that he is not able to participate in the war. Check Google for a detailed story.
The word Barbaric sounds much as an adjective to his ruthless winning skills and for lord’s sake no way connected to a dexterous barber. lol
Srirangam Ramesh