The Feminine Voice Reimagined: Draupadi’s Perspective in Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s The Palace of Illusions

Abstract

Aim: This paper explores the theme of power and identity in the novel by focusing on how the narrative subverts patriarchal structure. Through Draupadi's pursuit of self-identity and empowerment, Divakurani reasserts female agency within a patriarchal epic, providing a nuanced critique of gender dynamics and reinterpreting history from a feminist perspective. This paper aims to analyse how The Palace of Illusions navigates the intersections of myth, gender, and power, ultimately redefining the role of women in mythology and literature.

Methodology and Approach:  This research paper employs a qualitative, feminist literary analysis of The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. The study uses close reading to explore themes of gender, power, and identity through the lens of Draupadi, reimagined as a protagonist with agency.

Outcome: This research highlights how The Palace of Illusions reimagines Draupadi as a complex, empowered character, challenging patriarchal narratives of the Mahabharata. The study contributes to feminist literary discourse and provides a framework for analysing similar retellings in contemporary literature.

Conclusions and Suggestions: The novel challenges traditional gender roles and highlights issues of power, identity and autonomy, making it a significant contribution to feminist literature. Future research could explore comparative studies with other feminist retellings, or examine its impact on contemporary feminist discourse in mythology and literature.