Current Volume 8
Abstract
The Indian epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, have been passed down through generations, primarily through oral tradition. Over time, these stories have been interpreted and adapted according to the prevailing ideologies of different eras. They continue to serve as a reflection of historical beliefs, moral values, and cultural traditions that shape Indian society. Among the many adaptations and retellings of the Mahabharata, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s The Palace of Illusions stands out for its unique perspective. Unlike traditional narratives that center around male protagonists, Divakaruni’s novel reimagines the epic through the eyes of Draupadi, one of its most compelling characters. By adopting a first-person narrative, the novel allows readers to experience Draupadi’s thoughts, emotions, and struggles in a deeply personal way. Divakaruni’s portrayal of Draupadi is infused with themes of feminism, history, and culture. The novel challenges conventional depictions of her role in the Mahabharata, presenting her as a strong, independent, and introspective woman navigating a male-dominated world. It delves into her ambitions, desires, and inner conflicts, shedding light on aspects of her personality that are often overlooked in traditional versions of the epic. Through The Palace of Illusions, Divakaruni offers a modern interpretation of an ancient story, making it accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences. Her storytelling not only reimagines Draupadi’s life but also highlights the interplay between personal agency and societal expectations. The novel stands as a powerful retelling that bridges history, culture, and feminist discourse, reinforcing the timeless relevance of the Mahabharata in shaping perceptions of identity and tradition.
Keywords
Divakaruni, The Palace of Illusions Feminism, culture, history, system.
Citations
IRE Journals:
Vanshika Verma
"Beyond the Battlefield: Draupadi’s Voice in Divakaruni’s The Palace of Illusions" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 12 2025 Page 958-961
IEEE:
Vanshika Verma
"Beyond the Battlefield: Draupadi’s Voice in Divakaruni’s The Palace of Illusions" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(12)
About IRE Journals
IRE Journals is an open access online journals established with an aim to publish high quality of research work in various diciplines. We have more than 6 years in publications. Over 2500+ papers already published.
Important Links
For Authors
Volume 7:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 6:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 5:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 4:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 3:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12