Representation of Female Agency in Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’sThePalaceofIllusion

Abstract

This research examines the representation of female agency in Chitra Banerjee Devakaruni’sThePalaceofIllusion. It demonstrates the problems and issue of mythological time of Mahabharata, a great Hindu epic, which is even related today. This paper tries to find out the crucial role of Draupadi in The Palace of Illusion as a female agency. It also connects the issue of identity and gender role in order to establish the female as a role model neglecting orthodox ideas as a second sex. Divakaruni recounts the epic fromDraupadi’s point of view, claiming female agency in war between two families. Likewise, it highlights the issue of motherhood and conflict depicting Draupadri’s struggle for identity in mythological context. In the novel, Draupadi has been presented as headstrong and female role model who provokes her husband to take revenge with Kauravas. Therefore, she is presented as revolutionary character that breaks down the traditional gender role but her contributions are neglected in Mahabharata. This paper critically analyzesDivakaruni’sThe Palace of Illusion from Third world feminist interpretation which raises the issues of nonwestern women. Especially,ChandraTalpademonhanty and Uma Narayan’s perspectives on feminism have been used as a theoretical insights to support the hypothesis.In Mahabharata, Draupadri, has been presented as submissive, passive and inactive character. Contrary to it, in The Palace of Illusion Divakaruni shows Draupadi as role model as well as courageous who is able to establish her identity in the patriarchal domain