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Draupadi's Perspective in Mahabharata

The book provides a new perspective on the Indian epic Mahabharata by telling the story from the point of view of Draupadi. It explores her complex relationships and inner conflicts, particularly with Krishna who often provides guidance. The author skillfully develops Draupadi's character and emotions from her childhood through the events of the epic to her departure for heaven. While glorifying some characters like Duryodhana and Karna more than the Pandavas, the story gives new insights into Draupadi's desires and struggles within the context of following the will of others over her own heart.

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Vishant Chopra
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122 views1 page

Draupadi's Perspective in Mahabharata

The book provides a new perspective on the Indian epic Mahabharata by telling the story from the point of view of Draupadi. It explores her complex relationships and inner conflicts, particularly with Krishna who often provides guidance. The author skillfully develops Draupadi's character and emotions from her childhood through the events of the epic to her departure for heaven. While glorifying some characters like Duryodhana and Karna more than the Pandavas, the story gives new insights into Draupadi's desires and struggles within the context of following the will of others over her own heart.

Uploaded by

Vishant Chopra
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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REVIEW: The Palace of illusions

If you are looking for a book on Indian mythology then this is one of the best. “The palace of Illusions” by
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is a rendition of epic “Mahabharata” told from the perspective of Draupadi. If
someone is familiar with the story of Mahabharata this book could be a great delight and one may find a lot of
new and interesting things about the protagonist Draupadi – Whom among the five husbands Draupadi loved
the most? Was is it Arjun or someone else, not even a Pandava?
The  book  also  beautifully  describes  the  relationship  between  Krishna  and  Draupadi. Almost every time
when Draupadi is struggling with her own inner disputes somehow Krishna appears and resolves her inner
conflicts when the desire for vengeance and hatred burdens Draupadi, at one instance in the jungle, after
Pandavas were banished from the kingdom, Krishna moves a burning stick towards her and says – “In order to
burn you, this stick is first consuming itself”. Even at the time when Draupadi is about to leave for heaven she
has an encounter with Krishna and realizes that she had a similar encounter with him in “agni” before her birth.
You will also see that other characters such as Duryodhana, Karna are glorified even more than Pandavas as is
done in Mahabharata.
Writing Style
The author has written the story elegantly and shaped the narrative very thoughtfully. The character of the
protagonist is beautifully carved out, with descriptions of her flaws, desires, hatred and all other negative and
positive feelings. The readers will be able to feel the intensity of Draupadi’s emotions right from her childhood
to the time of her departure for heaven. Other characters do not have depth in their roles but help to see the
inner battles in the depth of Draupadi’s mind.
Plot Summary
King Drupad, ruler of Panchaal organizes a yagna to have a powerful warrior as a son, who will take revenge
for his father by killing Drona. A young fierce boy (Dhrishtdyum) comes out of fire and everyone present
cheers but all of the sudden silent prevails on seeing that boy is not alone and is accompanied by a dark,
beautiful girl (Panchali).
While growing up, Draupadi confided in only three people who were closest to her heart, her caretaker, Dhai
Ma, her brother, Dhri, and her only friend, Krishna, who guided her through all her troubles with his wise and
thoughtful advice. But when the time arrived for Swayamvar, Draupadi’s heart has already found the man of
her life, but due to her father and Krishna’s strategy and scheme to protect the king and the kingdom from his
enemies, thereby yet once again Draupadi followed what others wanted her to follow before her heart’s desire.
Once landing into the palace of her husband, Arjun, Draupadi, once again, had to fight for and obey the rules
and the opinions of her mother-in-law, Kunti, who asked her to marry off five of her sons, instead of only one.
From then on, Draupadi had to lead a sad with only grief, pain and loss and embarrassment. But not for once
Draupadi spoke out and enduring life filled aloud of her grief either to her husbands or to her own family,
instead she quietly obeyed and paid heavily for everything that her husbands did.

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