Redefining Epic Narration of Gender Politics: A Study of Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s the Palace of Illusions and Mahasweta Devi’s “Draupadi”

Abstract

Irrespectiveof its western over statements Feminism is a key factor in dispelling patriarchal bias much prevalent in a country like India. Major contributions have been rendered by feminist writers to redefine such a bias in Indian Epics. Epic portrayal of Woman characters is either weak or side-lined, and if at all powerful they are portrayed through the patriarchal mind set. The present paper aims to present, how writers Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and Mahasweta Devi deal with the most dauntless heroine, Draupadi of The Mahabharat. They redefine female identity and gender politics in their own unique way. The texts for discussion areThe Palace of Illusions (an abbreviation POI is used) by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and “Draupadi” from the “Breast Stories” by Mahasweta Devi.