India is blessed to be the land of the Mahabharata. The beauty of it is that one can never get bored reading its various interpretations about its various characters. So, when I came to know about this book, I knew I had to read it.
Draupadi, the daughter of Drupada, the princess of Panchala and the wife of the five Pandavas, is a fascinating character. And Saiswaroopa has been able to portray her as a true feminist in her book. She’s shown to be strong-willed, a fierce warrior, brave; at the same time, a loyal wife, a dutiful daughter-in-law and committed to the strange circumstances of her life.
The book takes us through the various stages in Draupadi’s life – from her luxurious stay in the father’s palace to her swayamvara and wedding to the five Pandavas; from their stay in the forest to their one-year stay under disguise; from her humiliation at the hands of the Kauravas to her need for revenge; and finally the war at Kurukshetra.
The book also touches about some of the other characters in the Mahabharata such as Uttara, Shikhandi, Dhrishtadyumna, Rukmini, and, of course, Krishna. Her relationship with Karna is also portrayed beautifully in the book.
Saiswaroopa’s writing style is quite easy and free-flowing. I could almost visualize the happenings in the book as I was reading it. This is the first book of hers that I have read and I do look forward to reading her earlier books as well.
Some of the quotes that have stayed with me:
• As an emperor, he could have initiated the change in the codes that undermine dharma. The delay in consolidating that victory has taken its toll.
• If only we had realized that dealing with victory was as crucial as dealing with threats!
• I value our history and the achievements of our ancestors. But more important is the effort to be worthy of our ancestors.
• The future generations will respect those who take action. The present has to be saved for a future to exist.
• When we lay claim to what is rightfully ours, we shall stop at nothing. We shall go to any lengths in undoing the damage done till now.
• Those who change loyalties with twisted arguments of dharma and then pretend to take the moral high ground aren’t worth fighting by our side.
Do pick up this book if you are interested in the Mahabharata. It will give you a good perspective on Draupadi – a princess whose destiny was written so very different from others, but who nonetheless rose upto the challenge.
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