Draupadi as a Mythological Icon: A Feminist Re-vision in Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s The Palace of Illusions
Author : Dr. Basavana Gowda OG
Abstract :
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s The Palace of Illusions offers a powerful feminist re-vision of the Mahabharata by narrating the epic through the voice of Draupadi. This paper examines how Divakaruni reconstructs Draupadi as a mythological icon who challenges patriarchal interpretations of destiny, dharma, and female virtue. By applying feminist critical perspectives to mythological logic, the study highlights how the novel dismantles traditional representations of women as passive sufferers and redefines them as conscious agents of resistance and selfhood. The analysis focuses on key episodes such as Draupadi’s polyandrous marriage, her humiliation in the Kaurava court, and her suppressed emotional life to reveal the systemic marginalization of women within epic traditions. Through this re-visioning, Divakaruni not only reclaims Draupadi’s silenced voice but also transforms mythology into a dynamic space for gender justice. The paper argues that The Palace of Illusions bridges ancient narrative and contemporary feminist discourse, presenting Draupadi as a timeless symbol of female strength, autonomy, and moral courage.
Keywords :
Draupadi, Feminist Re-vision, Mythological Logic, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, The Palace of Illusions, Patriarchy, Female Agency, Rewriting Myth, Gender and Power.
