The Palace of Illusions

Student : Smriti Mithilesh Jha
College: Sinhgad College of Engineering
b. Genre and Context :-
The Palace of Illusions is a 2008 historical fiction and mythology novel. It is considered a retelling of Mahabharat. It is basically Mahabharat with a women’s point of view.
c. Initial Impression :-
Actually I found this book at my cousin’s place, she was given this book by her intern. There she just gave a jist of it and l developed a great interest to go with this book further. You won’t believe I have read this entire book in 1½ days , such an engrossing book is this. Really great.
Plot overview :-
It is a twisted version of the epic mythological saga Mahabharat. What makes this book interesting is that in this male dominated world,it focuses on the needs and greed of females. The author explores the feminine view of a much known tale which every child has heard or seen in their childhood by some or other means, she manages to make you view things with a different perspective. Being herself a woman,the author too faced many problems while writing this book and she was blamed for all the wrongdoings and suffering her family faced, but she was strong enough to pursue her dreams and now the book is one of the bestsellers.
The book deals with ‘Panchali’ , often just known as the wife of five husbands. In this novel she has been portrayed as daughter, sister, daughter in law, mother, princess and of course as queen. The book touches on all the aspects of her life, all twists and plots in her life, vows and revenges of her life, love and love interest of her life, mistakes and savages of her life, her birth and her death.
The story begins with the birth of Panchali from fire along with her twin brother and rejection from her father. It has Krishna’s involvement at each and every place. It revolves around Draupadi listening to Rishi’s predictions and experiencing it all happening, including her strange wedding, her children , her ‘Chirharan’ , her revenge , her vows , losing loved ones , the great war and the ultimate thing – death.
b. Theme :-
There is no such theme of this book , it is based on Mahabharata.
c. Setting :-
The plot is set in the era of Mahabharat when women were not allowed to give their decisions, when women were just a thing to throw up in gambling.
d. Characters/Subject :-
(I) The main character in the story is Panchali aka Draupadi aka Krishna. She is the frame of reference of this novel. She was told in her early life about her future, about how she would affect the lives of dear and near ones, about how she would become the destroyer of her entire bloodline. She was told not to be childish in everything and not to demand more than what one wants. She was not able to make her own decisions, her sakha used to guide her at each moment. She was not allowed to love a single person for her entire life and she could not attain the love of her life.
“Jise chaha tha usey paa na sake
Aur jise paya usne kabhi chaha hi nahi.”
(II) Krishna :- Lord Krishna the guide of Draupadi’s life is the second most important character. He was present at each and every moment whether she needed him or not. He was her forever ‘sakha’. Kanha was Arjun’s saarthi during the great war, he was also the ‘shantidut’ for the Pandavas and above all he was the creator of everything.
Other characters are :-
Arjun :- Also known as Parth, he was one of the great warriors of hos time. He was the one who won Draupadi’s swayamvar and married her. He was also Subhadra’s husband, Abhimanyu’s father and Uttara’s father in law. He went to attain enlightenment and gain some ultimate powers ,he also had to experience women’s life for one year.
Karna :- Duryodhana’s best friend was surprisingly Panchali’s love interest whom she used to admire a lot but couldn’t express her feelings due to restrictions in her life. He was the man of his words and also ‘daanveer’.
Kunti :- Mother of five sons forced her daughter in law to be wife of five husbands just because she could not take her words back or she wanted her sons to fulfill her each and every demand whether appealing or not.
Gandhari :- A woman truly devoted to her husband. She had such a great strength to abandon all the beauties of the creator just because her husband wasn’t permitted to do so.
Yudhishthir :- A man who never speaks lie but can speak once to win a battle. A man who never disrespects women but can do it once just to win a battle. A man who never accepts anything wrong but can accept once just not to disrespect her mother. A man for whom mother is greatest of all beings but not once when she hid the fact about Karna being his brother.
Bheem, Nakul, Sahdev :- Even they had a significant impact on the story.
Dhritarashtra :- To fulfill his son’s demands he can go to any extent be it destruction of his entire family.
Dhrishtadhyuma :- Twin brother of Draupadi, he was the one standing always behind her even when she was not accepted by their own father.
Rishi :- Who predicted the future of Draupadi, told her about the importance of her life.
e. Writing Style :-
The author tries to put some of the romantic aspects in such a triggered historical tale. She also was able to make readers look upon her opinion as the right one.
f. Character/Subject Development :-
The characters are too related. Like when the story starts it starts with Draupadi’s birth, therefore starts with fire and so on. Each and every character is introduced at the right time. None of them were known before in her story but the author also managed to keep a suspense about the characters even when the readers know who they are.
g. Plot structure/Practical Applications :-
Twists in the story are very exciting, especially the point where it comes to the fact that Kunti knew that Karna’s love interest is Draupadi and she offered him Draupadi in exchange for his life.
I personally find this twist very intriguing. Also the point when Bheem did not revealed Draupadi’s name while in the way of death was most interesting.
And above all the fact that a girl who was born to be loved and to give love was all alone at the time of her death neither did she had her husbands alongside nor her Krishna. The author had described her state of mind very beautifully at that stage.
h. Themes and Messages :-
The message this book provides is that woman is not a material, she shouldn’t be materialized at all aspects of her life. She also has her ideas, her thoughts, her experiences, her feelings, her anger , her childishness. She shouldn’t be forced to hide all of them and taught to behave maturely every moment and sacrifice everything for the satisfaction of her family. For women also, this book provides some lessons that she should always prioritize herself as men do. She should have self respect and not do everything as others want.
i. Emotional impact :-
I literally cried when the princess was asked to sleep on the floor who had slept all her life on satin bed. The state of Draupadi when she was asked to marry her husband’s brother and when Arjun gave her the look as if she betrayed him. When Kunti didn’t think even for once that whatever she said by mistake would cost her daughter in law’s self respect.
When none of her husbands were able to save her from the great disrespect she had to face in front of the entire Bharatvarsh.
When all of her sons died in a single night.
This book made me feel that women are very delicate and at the same time very strong.
When Kunti knew what betrayal looks like she could have taken her words back.
Gandhari was so strong that she gave up her eyesight but so weak that she couldn’t see her son losing the battle which was never made for him to win.
III. STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS
Strengths :-
I really enjoyed Panchali’s childhood or say her life before marriage. I also enjoyed Rishi’s predictions and the way he predicted things made me want to read the book as fast as possible. I also enjoyed the recap that the author provided when Draupadi was a few seconds away from death .
Weakness :-
I think the author did not explore motherhood in depth. She described all the roles of women very beautifully but l think Draupadi as a mother was much underrated , that area was not much encountered.
IV. PERSONAL REFLECTION –
Connection :-
Being a girl, I found this book very relatable. However I have not done many roles in my life but l can connect to all the female characters in the story. Has inspired a lot to raise voice, choose between right and wrong and has audacity to speak for what’s right for oneself.
Relevance :-
In our country, even after so many years of independence and when the world is modernising in every dimension, there are some places which are very orthodox. There people still do not treat girls and boys equally and there exists gender inequality. So for places where this happens, this book has the capacity to change people’s mind and make them do the right things but only when they understand the true meaning of the lines mentioned.
Not only people, this would inspire women to make their place in this world.
V. CONCLUSION –
Recommendation :-
I would highly recommend this book to everyone. This book doesn’t has any boundaries of age, genre etc.
It can be read and loved by all. Just because it is a retelling of Mahabharat, people could connect with it very easily.
Rating :-
I would give it 6 out of 5 because I know it would be my all time favourite forever book.
Final thoughts :-
I would conclude by saying that this book is a must read . Even if you are not interested in reading, you must read this book once, I bet you’ll get addicted to it once you start reading .

Book Review : Bhoye Kunal Tejmal, MGV’s Loknete Vyankatrao Hiray Art, Science And Commerce College Panchvati, Nashik.

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s “The Palace of Illusions” is a ground breaking retelling of the Mahabharata through the eyes of Draupadi, one of the most fascinating and enigmatic characters in Indian mythology. The novel gives a voice to a woman who has often been overshadowed by the male heroes of the epic, transforming her into a fully fleshed-out character with agency, desires, and flaws. From the outset, the book captivates readers with its lyrical prose and deeply personal perspective. Draupadi’s narration is intimate and reflective, allowing the reader to see not just the grandeur of the Mahabharata but also the inner workings of her mind and heart. Divakaruni skillfully portrays Draupadi’s struggles with her identity as a princess, wife, and woman in a patriarchal society. Her longing for freedom, her complicated relationships with the Pandavas, and her unspoken love for Karna add layers of depth to her character. One of the book’s most striking aspects is its feminist lens. Draupadi is no passive victim of circumstance; she is intelligent, fiery, and unapologetically ambitious. Her perspective challenges the traditional portrayal of women in Indian epics, shedding light on the injustices she faces and her resilience in the face of adversity. The world-building in “The Palace of Illusions” is rich and immersive. Divakaruni brings ancient India to life with vivid descriptions of palaces, forests, and battlefields. The titular palace, built by the architect Maya, becomes a symbol of Draupadi’s dreams and disappointments, reflecting the duality of her life. The novel also explores universal themes such as love, betrayal, destiny, and the quest for meaning in a chaotic world. Draupadi’s relationships are complex and multifaceted, whether it’s her fraught bond with her brother Krishna, her marriage to the five Pandavas, or her unspoken connection with Karna. Each relationship adds emotional weight to the story, making it as much about personal struggles as it is about epic battles. However, the book is not without its flaws. At times, the narrative can feel overly introspective, slowing down the pace. Some readers may also find that the reinterpretation of certain events deviates too far from traditional accounts of the Mahabharata. Nonetheless, these are minor issues in what is otherwise a masterful work of storytelling.
“The Palace of Illusions” is a must-read for anyone interested in Indian mythology, feminist literature, or simply a beautifully written story. It redefines the Mahabharata for modern readers, offering a fresh perspective on one of India’s greatest epics. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s prose is both elegant and evocative, making this book a true gem in contemporary Indian literature.

Student Name-Smriti Jha
College Name-Sinhgad College Of Engineering Vadgaon(bk)
THE PALACE OF ILLUSIONS

– Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

b. Genre and Context :-
The Palace of Illusions is a 2008 historical fiction and mythology novel. It is considered a retelling of Mahabharat. It is basically Mahabharat with a women’s point of view.
c. Initial Impression :-
Actually I found this book at my cousin’s place, she was given this book by her intern. There she just gave a jist of it and l developed a great interest to go with this book further. You won’t believe I have read this entire book in 1½ days , such an engrossing book is this. Really great.
II. SUMMARY
Plot overview :-
It is a twisted version of the epic mythological saga Mahabharat. What makes this book interesting is that in this male dominated world,it focuses on the needs and greed of females. The author explores the feminine view of a much known tale which every child has heard or seen in their childhood by some or other means, she manages to make you view things with a different perspective. Being herself a woman,the author too faced many problems while writing this book and she was blamed for all the wrongdoings and suffering her family faced, but she was strong enough to pursue her dreams and now the book is one of the bestsellers.
The book deals with ‘Panchali’ , often just known as the wife of five husbands. In this novel she has been portrayed as daughter, sister, daughter in law, mother, princess and of course as queen. The book touches on all the aspects of her life, all twists and plots in her life, vows and revenges of her life, love and love interest of her life, mistakes and savages of her life, her birth and her death.
The story begins with the birth of Panchali from fire along with her twin brother and rejection from her father. It has Krishna’s involvement at each and every place. It revolves around Draupadi listening to Rishi’s predictions and experiencing it all happening, including her strange wedding, her children , her ‘Chirharan’ , her revenge , her vows , losing loved ones , the great war and the ultimate thing – death.
b. Theme :-
There is no such theme of this book , it is based on Mahabharata.
c. Setting :-
The plot is set in the era of Mahabharat when women were not allowed to give their decisions, when women were just a thing to throw up in gambling.
d. Characters/Subject :-
(I) The main character in the story is Panchali aka Draupadi aka Krishna. She is the frame of reference of this novel. She was told in her early life about her future, about how she would affect the lives of dear and near ones, about how she would become the destroyer of her entire bloodline. She was told not to be childish in everything and not to demand more than what one wants. She was not able to make her own decisions, her sakha used to guide her at each moment. She was not allowed to love a single person for her entire life and she could not attain the love of her life.
“Jise chaha tha usey paa na sake
Aur jise paya usne kabhi chaha hi nahi.”
(II) Krishna :- Lord Krishna the guide of Draupadi’s life is the second most important character. He was present at each and every moment whether she needed him or not. He was her forever ‘sakha’. Kanha was Arjun’s saarthi during the great war, he was also the ‘shantidut’ for the Pandavas and above all he was the creator of everything.
Other characters are :-
Arjun :- Also known as Parth, he was one of the great warriors of hos time. He was the one who won Draupadi’s swayamvar and married her. He was also Subhadra’s husband, Abhimanyu’s father and Uttara’s father in law. He went to attain enlightenment and gain some ultimate powers ,he also had to experience women’s life for one year.

Karna :- Duryodhana’s best friend was surprisingly Panchali’s love interest whom she used to admire a lot but couldn’t express her feelings due to restrictions in her life. He was the man of his words and also ‘daanveer’.

Kunti :- Mother of five sons forced her daughter in law to be wife of five husbands just because she could not take her words back or she wanted her sons to fulfill her each and every demand whether appealing or not.

Gandhari :- A woman truly devoted to her husband. She had such a great strength to abandon all the beauties of the creator just because her husband wasn’t permitted to do so.

Yudhishthir :- A man who never speaks lie but can speak once to win a battle. A man who never disrespects women but can do it once just to win a battle. A man who never accepts anything wrong but can accept once just not to disrespect her mother. A man for whom mother is greatest of all beings but not once when she hid the fact about Karna being his brother.

Bheem, Nakul, Sahdev :- Even they had a significant impact on the story.

Dhritarashtra :- To fulfill his son’s demands he can go to any extent be it destruction of his entire family.

Dhrishtadhyuma :- Twin brother of Draupadi, he was the one standing always behind her even when she was not accepted by their own father.

Rishi :- Who predicted the future of Draupadi, told her about the importance of her life.
e. Writing Style :-
The author tries to put some of the romantic aspects in such a triggered historical tale. She also was able to make readers look upon her opinion as the right one.
f. Character/Subject Development :-
The characters are too related. Like when the story starts it starts with Draupadi’s birth, therefore starts with fire and so on. Each and every character is introduced at the right time. None of them were known before in her story but the author also managed to keep a suspense about the characters even when the readers know who they are.
g. Plot structure/Practical Applications :-
Twists in the story are very exciting, especially the point where it comes to the fact that Kunti knew that Karna’s love interest is Draupadi and she offered him Draupadi in exchange for his life.
I personally find this twist very intriguing. Also the point when Bheem did not revealed Draupadi’s name while in the way of death was most interesting.
And above all the fact that a girl who was born to be loved and to give love was all alone at the time of her death neither did she had her husbands alongside nor her Krishna. The author had described her state of mind very beautifully at that stage.
h. Themes and Messages :-
The message this book provides is that woman is not a material, she shouldn’t be materialized at all aspects of her life. She also has her ideas, her thoughts, her experiences, her feelings, her anger , her childishness. She shouldn’t be forced to hide all of them and taught to behave maturely every moment and sacrifice everything for the satisfaction of her family. For women also, this book provides some lessons that she should always prioritize herself as men do. She should have self respect and not do everything as others want.
i. Emotional impact :-
I literally cried when the princess was asked to sleep on the floor who had slept all her life on satin bed. The state of Draupadi when she was asked to marry her husband’s brother and when Arjun gave her the look as if she betrayed him. When Kunti didn’t think even for once that whatever she said by mistake would cost her daughter in law’s self respect.
When none of her husbands were able to save her from the great disrespect she had to face in front of the entire Bharatvarsh.
When all of her sons died in a single night.
This book made me feel that women are very delicate and at the same time very strong.
When Kunti knew what betrayal looks like she could have taken her words back.
Gandhari was so strong that she gave up her eyesight but so weak that she couldn’t see her son losing the battle which was never made for him to win.
III. STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS
a. Strengths :-
I really enjoyed Panchali’s childhood or say her life before marriage. I also enjoyed Rishi’s predictions and the way he predicted things made me want to read the book as fast as possible. I also enjoyed the recap that the author provided when Draupadi was a few seconds away from death .
b. Weakness :-
I think the author did not explore motherhood in depth. She described all the roles of women very beautifully but l think Draupadi as a mother was much underrated , that area was not much encountered.
IV. PERSONAL REFLECTION –
a. Connection :-
Being a girl, I found this book very relatable. However I have not done many roles in my life but l can connect to all the female characters in the story. Has inspired a lot to raise voice, choose between right and wrong and has audacity to speak for what’s right for oneself.
b. Relevance :-
In our country, even after so many years of independence and when the world is modernising in every dimension, there are some places which are very orthodox. There people still do not treat girls and boys equally and there exists gender inequality. So for places where this happens, this book has the capacity to change people’s mind and make them do the right things but only when they understand the true meaning of the lines mentioned.
Not only people, this would inspire women to make their place in this world.
V. CONCLUSION –
a. Recommendation :-
I would highly recommend this book to everyone. This book doesn’t has any boundaries of age, genre etc.
It can be read and loved by all. Just because it is a retelling of Mahabharat, people could connect with it very easily.
b. Rating :-
I would give it 6 out of 5 because I know it would be my all time favourite forever book.
c. Final thoughts :-
I would conclude by saying that this book is a must read . Even if you are not interested in reading, you must read this book once, I bet you’ll get addicted to it once you start reading .

THANKYOU!!

Kamble Anushka, T.Y. BBA
Title and Author: The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni This book is a blend of mythology and historical fiction. Published in 2008, it retells the story of the Mahabharata from Draupadi’s perspective, offering a fresh take on one of the most famous Indian epics. I chose this book because Draupadi’s life has always fascinated me. She is a significant character in the Mahabharata, yet her story is seldom told in detail. This book promised to focus on her emotions and struggles, which piqued my curiosity to explore her journey.
Summary
The book The Palace of Illusions narrates the story of Draupadi, a pivotal figure from the Mahabharata. It begins with her magical birth from fire and follows her journey through significant moments in her life, including her marriage to the five Pandava brothers, her humiliation during the dice game, and the great Kurukshetra war. The story focuses on Draupadi’s emotions, desires, and struggles as she seeks her place in a society dominated by men. The setting of ancient India, with its grand palaces, royal courts, and battlefields, adds richness to the narrative. Her magical palace, in particular, symbolizes her dreams and the challenges she faces.
The book explores important themes such as gender inequality, power, duty, and ambition. Draupadi’s struggle to balance her personal desires with societal expectations makes her a relatable character. She is bold, emotional, and strong, which makes her very inspiring. Her relationships also play a significant role in the story. Krishna, her close friend, offers support and guidance, while Karna is someone she admires but cannot openly express her feelings for. Her life as the wife of the five Pandavas is complex. While Draupadi’s character is well-developed, some other characters, like Karna and the Pandavas, could have been explored in greater depth.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s writing is vivid and emotional, making it easy for readers to connect with Draupadi and her world. The poetic style adds beauty to the story, though it occasionally slows the pace. The plot moves steadily and covers all the major events in Draupadi’s life while focusing on her personal growth. The book effectively highlights the struggles of women in patriarchal societies and emphasizes the importance of dignity and self-respect. Draupadi’s strength and resilience leave a lasting impact. Overall, this book is not just a retelling of the Mahabharata, but a powerful story of a woman’s fight for her identity, making it a meaningful and unforgettable read.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths:
– The unique perspective of Draupadi refreshes the Mahabharata, making it engaging.
– Draupadi is portrayed as a strong woman, rather than just a queen or wife.
– The vivid descriptions and emotional depth immerse readers in her world.
Weaknesses:
– Some sections may feel slow, which could bore readers who prefer fast-paced narratives.
– Those unfamiliar with the Mahabharata might find certain parts confusing.
– A few characters, like the Pandavas and Karna, lack deeper exploration.
Personal Reflection
I felt a strong connection to Draupadi’s desire to be recognized as an individual beyond her roles. Her struggles to balance her responsibilities and personal dreams resonated with me, inspiring me to reflect on my own aspirations.
Although the story is set in ancient times, it relates closely to contemporary issues such as gender equality and women’s rights. Draupadi’s challenges highlight that these struggles are still relevant today, making her journey timeless and meaningful.
Conclusion
I highly recommend The Palace of Illusions to anyone who enjoys mythology, historical fiction, or stories featuring strong women. It’s an excellent book for both students and adults who want to explore a classic tale from a unique and fresh perspective.
I would rate the book 4.8 out of 5 for its engaging narrative, deep emotions, and thought-provoking themes. It is a well-crafted story that captivates you from beginning to end.
This book offered me a completely new perspective on the Mahabharata and its characters, especially Draupadi. She is depicted as a complex individual with flaws, dreams, and a determined spirit. Overall, the story is written so beautifully that it lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished reading.