Introduction:
'The Palace of Illusions' was published in the year of 2008. It is a tale that depicts the Mahabharata story through the eyes of Draupadi, a woman who plays a crucial role in the fight between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Draupadi is depicted as a powerful lady who was born into a patriarchal culture and forced to spend her youth alone with her brother as her sole companion. Though Arjuna, the third Pandava, wins her hand, she is powerless because Kunti makes her the wife of all five Pandavas. Her anguish at not being defended by Arjuna, her rage at being exploited as a prize in gambling games between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, and her terrible life as the submissive wife living in exile with her husbands in the wilderness provides insight into several elements of her nature.
Review:
Divakaruni's narrative reveals Kunti's crafty nature and her fear of society to recognize her firstborn son, Karna, who was born from Surya, the Sun God, before her marriage, in contrast to other versions of the story, in which Kunti is depicted as a devoted mother of the Pandavas. Along with Draupadi's tragedy, the book also brilliantly depicts the painful story of Karna, who is insulted for his unknown heritage, excluding him from asking for Draupadi's hand in marriage despite being the most suitable.
Karna's dissatisfaction with being abandoned at birth and raised without knowledge of his parents, Draupadi's feelings for him, his love for elegant Draupadi, and his agony of being torn between his mother and brothers on one side and his devotion to his friend, Duryodhana of the Kaurava clan on the other, are all aspects of the great war.
She also tells the narrative of Gandhari, the blind monarch Dhritarashtra's wife, who blindfolds herself at her wedding and chooses to live as an equal to her husband, abandoning her position as queen and mother.
The author studies Panchaali's participation in the battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas by telling the story from Panchaali's point of view. The outcome is a compelling story of human tragedy that, according to the author, sheds light on a character who is important in the Mahabharata but remains largely silent about her motivations and emotions.
It's worth noting that Draupadi and Karna do not have a romantic relationship in the Mahabharata. Karna's identity as the sixth Pandava isn't disclosed until the very end of the story. Banerjee addresses Draupadi's hidden love as a key story point in the novel, based on popular folklore.
Of course, the Palace of Illusions isn't a replacement for the actual Mahabharata, but it's a fine place to start. Banerjee brilliantly blends Mahabharata's original storylines while adding her own touch to the happenings. The novel's title is derived from the architectural marvel in which the Pandavas resided when they ruled Hastinapur. Optical illusions abound in the Palace of Illusions. When their cousins, the Kauravas, came to visit, they were puzzled and perplexed. Draupadi, in her arrogance, insulted their bafflement and put in motion the events that eventually led to the epic conflict between the two families.
Conclusion:
The Palace of Illusions honours Mahabharata's heritage. Regardless, Panchaali, the Pandavas, and the Kauravas are the subjects of a beautifully written and emotional story. It doesn't often dive as far into Panchaali's life as I'd expect from a story told by and about her. On a more rational level, the book discusses good and wrong, as well as war's eventual victory and loss. It makes you wonder whether using unethical measures to achieve triumph for a noble cause is ethical. I must say. the death of Draupadi was a heart-breaking one. The way the author has portrayed the relationship between Krishna and Draupadi is just magical. He was the only one who did not leave her while she was facing a terrible death. I would like to rate this book 8 out of 10. This book will make you think about Draupadi's dilemma, sorrow, bewilderment, and deeds, which are represented in this book.
