Just like her previous books Kavita Kane brings to life a neglected character. This time around its Hidimbi. The novel takes the readers through a roller coaster of a journey whether its the fairy tale like love story and then the separation. By the end you appreciate Hidimbi’s strong inner strength. Kavita Kane gives a powerful feminist streak in terms of how Hidimbi is never reduced to a helpless victim.
Both our epics Ramayana and Mahabharata give solid scope for constant reinterpretation. The reason being the huge canvas with a diverse set of people. The most minor characters give scope for solid drama. Over the years Kavita Kane has emerged as a wonderful storyteller. The way she picks up forgotten women from the epics and gives voice to them makes for a delightful read.
Bhima’s Wife is another solid addition. The novel in brief focuses on the different facets of Hidimbi’s life whether it’s her marriage with Bhima in spite of the massive cultural divide and then the Pandavas abandoning her once she gives birth to a boy among other things. How Hidimbi status is often ignored as the first Pandavas’s daughter in law forms an important part of the novel as well.
A theme which strongly resonates in Bhima’s wife is challenging the traditional stereotypes attached with rakshasas. There is often a tendency to slot them as cannibalistic figures. But Kavita Kane shows how the so called uncivilized has higher moral standards than Pandavas. This especially comes out in the kinds of questions raised by Hidimbi on acceptance, identity and dignity.
She doesn’t spare Bhima as well in spite of the deep love. For example, there is a part where Hidimbi questions him on how an innocent family became a collateral damage for the Pandavas to survive in the burning of a Lacquer house. Chapters like these bring out the fiery spirit of Hidimbi as well as challenging traditional perceptions.
Mention must also be made of how the novel presents Bhima. Bhima is often associated with brute strength. But here Kavita Kane showcases him as a flawed and vulnerable human being. There is a visible romantic side to Bhima in the chapters post Hidimbi’s pregnancy. How he takes care of her like a small child is adorable. The readers wish that he listened to his heart rather than trying to be an ideal son.
The novel also dwells into superior attitude showed by the Pandavas. A sense of supremacy in how they view the clan of Hidimbi isn’t spell out loud but it comes out effectively. By the end the readers feel that Hidimbi was used by Kunti and co for their selfish plans and then later abandoned.
However, the biggest strength of Bhima’s wife is how Kavita Kane brings alive the different shades of Hidimbi in her characteristic style. Yes, a sense of repetitiveness can be felt for those familiar with her work, still there is a lot to admire. The book starts off with Hidimbi being scared of her brother but as the novel progresses, she emerges as a strong woman. This can be especially seen in Hidimbi bringing together the warring tribes. How she maintains peace and harmony with her powerful presence is a perfect example of the novel’s feminist streak.
Final word: Bhima’s Wife is a solid read for those who enjoy mythological retelling as well as fans of Kavita Kane’s earlier works.
