Representation of Draupadi in Chitra Banarjee Divakaruni’s The Palace of Illusions: A Reading

Abstract

This paper studies the character of Draupadi in Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s the Palace of Illusions. Told from Draupadi’s perspective, the novel reimagines her life, emotions, desires, struggles, and identity in the shadow of patriarchy. By using feminist and narrative perspectives, the research highlights Draupadi’s resistance, resilience, and selfhood. The findings reveal that Divakaruni’s Draupadi challenges traditional portrayals and emerges as a strong, independent voice within the epic tradition. The study argues that The Palace of Illusions represents an important act of mythological rewriting that destabilizes male- dominated narratives and reclaims space for women’s voices within epic literature. Employing feminist literary criticism and narrative theory, the study explores how Draupadi’s voice functions as a form of resistance against silence and marginalization. Key moments such as her disrobing, exile, and emotional isolation.