The Palace of Illusions

Borkar Nidhi, S.Y.B.Tech. Computer Engineering,MKSSS’s Cummins College of Engineering for Women,Pune
It is a captivating narrative of the great Indian epic – The Mahabharat, through the perspective of Panchali, also known as Draupadi, who is one of the most complex and powerful characters of the Mahabharat. The book unravels Draupadi’s joys and sorrows, triumphs and struggles throughout the course of the Epic, offering an insight into the feminine perspective of the war, its antecedents and repercussions. Narrated by Panchali herself, the novel covers various aspects of her life, such as her unique birth, her marriage with the five Pandavas, her close relationship with Lord Krishna, and her secret attraction towards Karna, who is her husbands’ most dangerous enemy. The author crafts an engaging tale by placing a female character at the heart of the story, and highlights the psychological state and social status of women in those times. Divakaruni skilfully depicts Panchali’s internal battles and external challenges, making the readers admire the profound depth and strength of Panchali’s character. The novel offers a unique blend of mythology and imagination, along with a poignant touch that allows readers to empathize with the characters. It breathes new life into the timeless epic, which make the ancient story relevant to modern audiences. Draupadi’s journey from her birth to the last breath is captured vividly by the author and immersing the readers into her deepest thoughts and emotions. It provides an insight into the struggles and strengths of women, leaving a lasting impression. It is a good read for those interested in mythology, historical fiction, and strong female protagonists, offering a captivating blend of storytelling and timeless themes.

Student Name – Apeksha Sadanand Pawar, Class – BA LLB 3rd Year, Yashwantrao Chavan Law College, Pune
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s “The Palace of Illusions” is a masterful retelling of the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, from the perspective of one of its most enigmatic and pivotal characters, Draupadi (or Panchaali). This reimagined narrative offers a fresh and deeply human lens on the grandeur, tragedy, and moral complexity of the epic, bringing a long-silenced voice to life.
Divakaruni is also the author of short story collection ‘Arranged Marriage’ (1995) and novels like the ‘Sister of My Heart (1999) and One Amazing Thing’(2009).
The book was published on 1st January 2008 . The genre of “The Palace of Illusions” is primarily mythological fiction. The book blends mythology with feminist themes, historical imagination, and emotional depth, offering a fresh narrative style.
I am always eager to explore mythological stories that reveal the history of humanity and the origins of Indian culture and traditions.I have always been fascinated by the great epic Mahabharata and often marvel at its intricate construct and extraordinary incidents. So, when I came across this book, I was thrilled at the prospect of reading it.
Panchaali is the narrator and protagonist of the book. She and her brother, Dhri, are born from fire into the kingdom of King Drupad, their father. From a very early age, her central struggle is the strict gender conventions of her community—men are warriors and statesmen while women are beautiful objects who must remain at home and practice the domestic arts.

Krishna, her divine friend and confidant, provides wisdom and emotional solace, anchoring her amidst chaos. Karna’s tragic connection with Draupadi highlights themes of forbidden longing and unfulfilled possibilities. Each character is reimagined to explore human flaws, desires offering fresh perspectives.
When Panchaali is old enough to be married, King Drupad hosts a contest(swayamwar) to find her a husband. Karna, a great warrior, is initially the only one who passes the contest’s archery test, but Panchaali humiliates him by asking who his parents are. Though he cannot answer her question, she harbors romantic feelings for him. Karna walks away humiliated. Arjun, one of the Pandava princes, steps in and wins the tournament. Panchaali travels home to Arjun’s family. His mother, Kunti, insists that Panchaali marry the remaining four Pandava brothers. The Pandavas went into hiding after their cousin, Duryodhan, tried to kill them in a fire.
After Panchaali marries the Pandava brothers, King Bheeshma divides their kingdom between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, the latter of whom are led by Duryodhan. The Pandavas build up the prosperous city of Indra Prastha and take up residence in the Palace of Illusions, a magical structure that Panchaali grows to love.
During a visit, Duryodhan falls into a pool, and Panchaali’s attendants laugh at him, causing him humiliation. The next time the Pandavas visit Duryodhan, Yudhisthir, the oldest Pandava, bets away the Pandavas’ palace and freedom in a game. As a result, Duryodhan takes possession of the Palace of Illusions while Panchaali and her husbands are exiled to the woods for 12 years. The game of dice acts as a medium to humiliate and insult Paanchali. During her exile, Panchaali’s sole focus is revenge.

After living in exile for 12 years, the Pandavas go into hiding in a neighboring palace. While disguised as a maid, Panchaali scorns the advances of Prince Keechak, who threatens to rape her. Panchaali and her husband, Bheem, murder Keechak. As a result of this violence, the Great War (Kurukshetra War or the Mahabharat) breaks out between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Many people who are close to Panchaali, including Drupad, Dhri, and Karna, are killed in the war , but eventually the Pandavas won at the end and thus Paanchali became the “ Queen of Hastinapur”
After hearing of Krishna’s death soon after the war, Panchaali’s husbands decide that it is time for them to die and transition to the afterlife. Panchaali is united with Karna in heaven.

The novel witnesses a vareity of themes – it repeatedly explores the tension between fate and free will. Draupadi is both a pawn in the larger cosmic game and a player who attempts to influence her destiny. Her complex relationships—whether with her five husbands, her confidant Krishna, or her lifelong adversary Karna—are portrayed with an honesty that underscores the inevitability of her tragic arc.

Divakaruni’s prose is lyrical and evocative, seamlessly blending mythic glory with intimate emotion. She captures the other worldly beauty of ancient India while delving into the raw humanity of its characters. The narrative moves briskly, balancing the epic’s vast scope with Draupadi’s deep personal thoughts

I loved the way the author depicted and justified the entire epic from the perspective of a single character . Additionally, the book underscores critical themes such as gender disparity, gender-specific roles, and the devastating consequences of uncontrolled aspirations for power and revenge. These themes remain profoundly relevant in the modern era, offering valuable insights when examined thoughtfully and critically.

The novel is enshrined with several strengths like that it offers a fresh, feminist retelling of the Mahabharata through the eyes of Draupadi, showcasing her strength, vulnerability, and agency. It deeply explores the timeless themes of love, destiny, wars etc

While the book’s imaginative reinterpretation is unquestionable there are certain criticisms – some purists might find the liberties taken with certain characters or events jarring. The focus on Draupadi’s inner world occasionally sidelines other significant aspects of the Mahabharata.

The Palace of Illusions is a remarkable achievement that reclaims the voice of a woman overshadowed by history. It is both an homage to the epic and a standalone narrative that resonates deeply with modern readers. For those familiar with the Mahabharata, it offers a fresh perspective. For newcomers, it is an thrilling introduction to one of the world’s greatest stories. This is a must-read for anyone interested in mythology, feminism, or simply a compelling tale well told.

Major characters: Draupadi, Krishna, Arjun, Bheem, Yudhisthir, Konna, Duryodhan

Based on the Hindu epic Mahabharat, the book tells (or brings) the story of the battle saga through the eyes (or rather heart) of one of the pivot al characters, Draupadi- The events and their sequence are same as the original epic. It traces Draupadi’s, also known as Panchali, life, from her lonely childhood, when her brother is her only true companion, her marriage to the five Pandavas, her friendship with Krishna, to mother hood and her secret attraction to the the man who is her husbands’ most dangerous enemy. The book is how the author brings every character come alive through simple, lucid but vivid descriptions. A book that makes the magical epic come alive and sweeps the reader of Mababharat, it is a must-read for mythology buffs and feminists. into the dramatic, mysterious.

Another good thing about the book is the various life lessons taught by each character. The book has enlightened me more than any A bollywood movie ever will. It perfectly captures the hidden facets of each character in the epic, major or minor.

A problem becomes a problem only if you believe it to be so often others see you as see yourself.
-Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Palace of Illusions