Judhajit and Tania recently gifted me a collection of books from Kolkata, among them “The Palace of Illusions” by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, a captivating reinterpretation of the ancient Sanskrit epic, the Mahabharata. I’ve just completed this extraordinary novel. Narrated by Panchaali, also known as Draupadi, it provides a unique viewpoint on the legendary saga of political intrigue, family ties, and the battle for power between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Divakaruni breaks new ground by narrating the Mahabharata from Panchaali’s perspective.
Born from fire, Panchaali’s destiny is entwined with the Pandavas, as she becomes the wife of all five brothers—a complex and challenging role. Her feelings for Karna, the Pandavas’ sworn enemy, add another layer of tension and emotional depth to her story. Divakaruni’s descriptive prose masterfully balances sweetness with poignancy, capturing the essence of Panchaali’s tumultuous life.
The novel’s strongest section lies in its opening chapters, which vividly portraying Panchaali’s early years. Her relationship with her twin brother, Dhri (Dhrishtadyumna), is depicted with particular tenderness, highlighting their deep bond.
Divakaruni’s choice to narrate the Mahabharata from Panchaali’s point of view is both innovative and enlightening. This perspective allows readers to explore the epic’s events through the eyes of a woman who was often at the heart of the action but rarely given a voice. Panchaali’s narrative spans from her miraculous birth to her eventual departure from the mortal world, providing a comprehensive and intimate look at her journey.
Panchaali’s life is marked by rebellion against the archaic laws that treated women as mere objects. Her outspoken nature often drew the ire of those around her, but she found solace in her childhood friend, Krishna. Her unrequited love for Karna and her sacrifices to protect her family and uphold her duties as a wife and mother are central themes in the novel.
Divakaruni paints a realistic picture of the lesser-known aspects of the Mahabharata, portraying the emotional rollercoasters faced by Draupadi with subtlety and sensitivity. The lucid and engaging language draws readers into the rich tapestry of ancient Indian history and mythology. As the back cover aptly describes, the novel is “half history, half myth, and wholly magical.”
The Palace of Illusions is a commendable work that brings to life the epic’s nuanced characters and complex relationships. Divakaruni’s courage to present a realistic and emotionally resonant portrayal of Draupadi makes this novel a must-read for those interested in mythology, history, and strong female protagonists.
Very nice
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Thanks, sir.
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Added to my book reading list. Thanks for sharing the glimpse.
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You’ll love this. It’s a fresh perspective. Don’t try to match the interpretations with the authentic versions.
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Here’s a review I wrote of this book on my Goodreads account: “The Mahabharat, for me, remains the most magnificent story ever written. Of course, calling it a story will be a sacrilege to many.
Hence, a retelling from the perspective of Draupadi, one of the key female characters in the story, though sacrilegious once again, was intriguing. The original, after all, was written by a male ascetic, Ved Vyas, and revolves around powerful male characters for the most part.
The author, I think, manages to capture many of the key elements of the original in this brief retelling. Moreover, some aspects of the difference between the thought processes of the two genders are brought out clearly in this version, like for example Draupadi contemplating how she would have reacted to the disrobing saga in the courtroom if she was one of the spectators.
In the final analysis, it is a story based on a story. To that extent, there can be no view on the veracity of the events it talks about. Did Draupadi have a soft corner for someone other than the Pandav brothers? What about her relationship with her mother-in-law? These are stories concocted by the author, rightly or wrongly. To that extent, it is just another story that one might say is trying to bask in the glory of its eternal original.”
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You’re right in your views. The author has commendably narrated her story from Draupadi’s perspective, giving us a probable insight into her heart and mind. Since Draupadi is the heroine of her novel, the author took some artistic liberties to add a bit of spice to the story. It cannot be treated as an addendum to the epic, Mahabharata.
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Nice. Will read it next
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Yes, please read.
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