Draupadi, here called Panchaali, is born from a sacrificial fire as the answer to her father King Drupad's wish for vengeance. Growing up in Panchaal with her twin brother Dhri, she chafes against the limits placed on princesses and listens closely to the prophecy that she will change the course of history.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni follows Panchaali through her swayamvar, her marriage to all five Pandava brothers, the building of the magical palace at Indraprastha, the humiliation of the dice game and long years of exile. Her complicated friendship with Krishna and her secret attraction to Karna, the Pandavas' greatest rival, give the familiar epic a fresh emotional centre.
The novel is accessible to readers who do not know the Mahabharata, while those who do will notice how much the female perspective changes. It is a popular entry point to mythological retellings, praised for its lyrical voice and its proud, flawed heroine. Its palace becomes a fitting symbol of ambition.
Book details
| Author | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni |
|---|---|
| First published | 2008 |
| Original language | English |
| Genre | Mythology |
| Type | Fiction |
| Pages (approx.) | 360 |
| Setting | Panchaal, Hastinapur, Indraprastha and Kurukshetra in the world of the Mahabharata |
Themes
- Female perspective
- Pride and revenge
- Fate
- Friendship
- Desire
Who should read it
Readers who want a feminist, intimate retelling of the Mahabharata.