Novelist Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni does a good job in not giving a voice to Draupadi: but there is also a contemporariness by analyzing the expectations Draupadi was burdened with. Both as a woman of five husbands and queen of Hastinapur. The subtle wit of Draupadi along with an unapologetic attitude makes The Palace Of Illusions a very engaging read.
The character of Draupadi in the epic Mahabharata shares than one similarity with the famous Helen of Troy. Both the women are treated as the major reasons behind the massive conflicts when in actuality it was the actions of men which drove the situation. Coming to Draupadi she is easily one of the most complex personalities in Mahabharata. A woman often becoming a pawn in the ego tussles of the men around her. Someone with not much say going through the worst of humiliations.
There have been numerous retellings of both Mahabharata and Ramayana: however there have been far and few when it comes to retelling of epics from the main female protagonist point of view. Before The Palace of Illusions there was Yagnaseni written by Pratibha Roy. Pratibha Roy also did a fine job in presenting Drapudi’s point of view by taking the popular perceptions head on. There is a visible angst in the way the protagonist questions things. The Palace of Illusions is another worthy addition.
Yagnaseni and The Palace of Illusions
Since the story of Drapaudi is well known I wouldn’t get into the plot. Instead, directly jump into my brief take on what makes The Palace of Illusions an engaging read. As earlier said Chitra Banerjee gives a contemporariness to the conflicts placed by Draupadi. For a large part of the novel Drapaudi is seen grappling with her complex emotions towards the five husbands. All the five fail her in different ways. The emotional labor faced by a woman in a relationship comes out in a stark manner. These complex emotions though aren’t just confined to marriage but also her role as a Hastinapur queen.
These portions have a relatable parallel to the balancing act of a modern woman. However, what makes The Palace of Illusions stand out is Draupadi’s sharp wit. There is an unapologetic attitude in the way Draupadi contemplates the situation around her. These includer her commentary on the flawed husbands or the dry humor about fate’s cruel sense of humor. These moments make the readers both chuckle and flinch.
By the end Draupadi emerges as a queen in her own right and not just as a wife of five husbands. Eventually her journey becomes a symbol of finding strength making this latest retelling a very contemporary read.
At the same time though Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni doesn’t shy away from presenting Draupadi with all her flaws. Whether it’s her jealousy towards the other Pandava women or having a certain vanity. But these elements make her a wholesome personality.
Mention must also be made of the track involving Karna and Draupadi. Yes, the writer has taken liberties here with zero mention of Karana’s wife, nevertheless an unsaid love between the two has come out well. Draupadi’s fascination with Karna during the swayamvar only to be sidelined later due to the prejudiced opinions of Krishna gives the novel some of its best moments.
Draupadi’s interactions with Krishna also adds an important layer to the novel. The friendship between the two has been etched well. Krishna comes across as a major confidant helping her to cope with challenges both personal and societal. Often times he comes across as a dearer one than the five husbands put together.
Final word: The Palace of Illusions is a must read for those who enjoy retelling of epics with a feministic tone.
