Panchali: Victim Of Patriarchal Society In Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s The Palace Of Illusions

The research presented here examines how Divakaruni represents Draupadi on behalf of all women who have suffered under the norms and rules of patriarchal society in her novel “The Palace of Illusions” published in 2008. Draupadi is shown as a rebellious woman who is not ready to accept the boundaries set up for women by society. This research paper is written through the perspective of Draupadi who is called Panchali in the novel. Instead of choosing a male character in her novel Divakaruni chooses a woman character, Panchali, to retell the story of the famous epic of pride, love, and revenge. Myths have always been on the side of men but they are always against women. The paper's main focus is to study and analyze the text from a woman’s point of view. This paper outlines the struggles of Panchali and yet being the most powerful woman, who did not let others choose for her justice. The old patriarchal myths are examined from a feminine viewpoint. In the novel, Panchali accepts her fate and destiny of struggles but still holds on to her honor and pride. The research is done through qualitative methodology. The study examines the powerful women of the text, Kunti, Gandhari, and Panchali’s journeys and struggles.