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LangLit

An International Peer-Reviewed Open Access Journal

Vol. 11 Issue 1 216 August, 2024

Website: www.langlit.org Contact No.: +91-9890290602

Indexed: ICI, Google Scholar, Research Gate, Academia.edu, IBI, IIFC, DRJI

ISSN 2349-5189 IMPACT FACTOR – 5.61

ROLE OF MYTHICAL NARRATIVES IN CHITRA BANERJEE

DIVAKARUNI’S THE PALACE OF ILLUSION

SUNITA BABULAL TADAVI

Research Student, KCE Society's M. J. College, Jalgaon - 425002, Maharashtra, India. &

DR. YOGINI S. RAJPUT

Research Guide, Department of English, KCE Society's M. J. College, Jalgaon - 425002, Maharashtra, India. ABSTRACT:

The mythical narratives in Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s The palace of

Illusion play an important role in questioning and reconstructing myths, fusing them with the contemporary reality, and creating new myths. Her

construction of novel mythical narratives takes the readers to newer

possibilities of using myths in contemporary times. The experimentation

also indicates the open-ended nature of the older myths. By extension her

narratives encourage the readers to foster a continuous dialogue between

past and present. The mythical narratives of Banerjee Divakaruni in the

said novel initiate discussion into gender roles, societal influences, contemporary culture, and women rights. The present paper is an attempt

to study the mythical narratives in Banerjee Divakaruni’s The palace of

Illusion from critical perspective with regard to myth literature. Key Words: Myth, Narrative, Gender, New Contemporary. Introduction

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, a celebrated Indian-American writer, is known for her

exceptional storytelling and her skillful integration of mythology into her work. In her present

narrative The Palace of Illusions, Divakaruni uses mythology as a main theme, providing a

fresh interpretation of the classic Indian epic, the Mahabharata, from the viewpoint of

Draupadi, a female protagonist who is often overlooked. Through her adept narration, Divakaruni reimagines the ancient story, portraying Draupadi as a complex and multi- dimensional character, vividly depicting her challenges, desires, and strengths. The present

novel challenges patriarchal norms and highlights the timeless relevance of these myths in

addressing modern concerns. Divakaruni portrays Draupadi as a modern woman eager to

share her thoughts and ideas with the world. She brings the past into the present by depicting

a narrative filled with love, betrayal, revenge, war, freedom, and friendship, offering a fresh

perspective on these timeless themes.

Page 3 of 5

LangLit

An International Peer-Reviewed Open Access Journal

Vol. 11 Issue 1 218 August, 2024

Website: www.langlit.org Contact No.: +91-9890290602

Indexed: ICI, Google Scholar, Research Gate, Academia.edu, IBI, IIFC, DRJI

ISSN 2349-5189 IMPACT FACTOR – 5.61

interpretations and offers a fresh narrative that reflects modern values and ideas. Divakaruni’s

attempt can be seen as reinterpreting the older myth by making additions to it with the help of

critical perspective. For example, Draupadi’s bond with Arjuna is shown as more complex

and emotional, not just one-sided love. Similarly, her relationship with Krishna is reimagined

as one of friendship and mutual respect, where Krishna acts as a guide and mentor instead of

a distant God. This changes how we see their connection and brings out themes of friendship

and personal growth. The element of story-telling is an inseparable part of Divakaruni’s work. Throughout the

novel, Draupadi reflects on the power of stories and how they shape our lives. By giving

Draupadi control over her own narrative, Divakaruni empowers her to challenge the

dominant, patriarchal stories that have marginalized women. This act of storytelling becomes

a form of resistance, allowing Draupadi to reshape not only her story but the myths that

influence society. In The Palace of Illusions, Divakaruni uses mythical narratives to explore gender and power, giving Draupadi a central voice. The novel reimagines the Mahabharata from Draupadi’s

perspective, challenging traditional portrayals where she is seen as a passive victim. Divakaruni’s Draupadi is strong, independent, and questions the patriarchal roles imposed on

her. The myth serves as a backdrop for examining societal norms, gender bias, and the

complexity of feminine identity. Draupadi is not just a victim but also an agent of change, participating actively in the events around her, especially in seeking justice and revenge. In the said novel Divakaruni uses mythical narratives to reflect societal influences and

critique traditional norms. By retelling the Mahabharata from Draupadi’s perspective, the

novel explores the tension between individual desires and societal expectations. Draupadi’s

struggles against the limitations imposed on her by patriarchal values echo the challenges

faced by women in both ancient and contemporary Indian society. This mythical narrative

allows Divakaruni to question traditional gender roles, critique the power structures that limit

women's freedom, and highlight the need for redefining these roles in a modern context. Through Draupadi's journey, the novel examines how myth can be reinterpreted to challenge

societal expectations and advocate for individual identity and equality. Divakaruni uses the myth of the Mahabharata to explore important cultural and social issues. By telling the story from Draupadi's point of view, a character who is often overlooked in the

original epic, Divakaruni brings attention to the struggles women face in both ancient and

modern societies. Draupadi’s life is shaped by the expectations of those around her, particularly the men in her life; her father, husbands, and enemies. However, she constantly

questions these roles and fights to assert her own identity. Draupadi expresses her frustration

when she says, "I didn’t fear the fate they imagined for me. I had no intention of committing

honorable self-immolation. (I had other plans for my life.) But I was distressed by the

coldness with which my father and my potential husband discussed my options, thinking only

of how these acts would benefit—or harm—them”. (119)

The novel uses the mythical narrative to show how women, like Draupadi, were and are often

limited by the rules of a patriarchal society. In ancient times, Draupadi had to follow the

norms set by men, which dictated her life choices. After being gambled away in the royal