Yajnaseni: The Story of Draupadi by Pratibha Ray | Rupa Publications | Epic Retelling of Draupadi from the Mahabharata | ISBN: 9788171673230
Product details
Yajnaseni: The Story of Draupadi by Pratibha Ray, published by Rupa Publications, is a powerful retelling of the life and experiences of Draupadi, one of the most fascinating and complex characters of the Mahabharata. Originally written in Odia, the novel presents Draupadi not merely as a legendary figure associated with the great epic war, but as a woman with her own emotions, thoughts, aspirations, struggles, questions, and understanding of the world. The English edition was translated by Pradip Bhattacharya.
The novel explores Draupadi's journey from her extraordinary birth as Yajnaseni, through her marriage to the five Pandavas and her life as the queen of Indraprastha, to the events that eventually lead to the great conflict of the Mahabharata. Pratibha Ray gives particular attention to the emotional and psychological dimensions of Draupadi's experiences, allowing readers to see the woman behind the epic character and understand the challenges she faces throughout her extraordinary life.
A central strength of the novel is its attempt to offer a balanced and deeper portrayal of Draupadi. Often remembered in connection with the events that preceded the Kurukshetra war, Draupadi has also been described as one of the most virtuous women in Hindu mythology. Ray looks beyond these conventional perceptions and brings forward the character's inner world—her strength, dignity, suffering, sacrifices, relationships, conflicts, and search for meaning.
With its combination of mythology, history, human emotion, and psychological insight, Yajnaseni offers readers a fresh perspective on one of India's greatest epics. The novel is especially notable for placing a woman's voice and experience at the centre of the Mahabharata, making it an engaging choice for readers interested in Indian mythology, epic literature, women's perspectives, and contemporary retellings of classical stories. The Rupa edition carrying ISBN 9788171673230 is an English paperback; catalogue records list approximately 402–408 pages, depending on the edition record.
Product details
Yajnaseni: The Story of Draupadi by Pratibha Ray, published by Rupa Publications, is a powerful retelling of the life and experiences of Draupadi, one of the most fascinating and complex characters of the Mahabharata. Originally written in Odia, the novel presents Draupadi not merely as a legendary figure associated with the great epic war, but as a woman with her own emotions, thoughts, aspirations, struggles, questions, and understanding of the world. The English edition was translated by Pradip Bhattacharya.
The novel explores Draupadi's journey from her extraordinary birth as Yajnaseni, through her marriage to the five Pandavas and her life as the queen of Indraprastha, to the events that eventually lead to the great conflict of the Mahabharata. Pratibha Ray gives particular attention to the emotional and psychological dimensions of Draupadi's experiences, allowing readers to see the woman behind the epic character and understand the challenges she faces throughout her extraordinary life.
A central strength of the novel is its attempt to offer a balanced and deeper portrayal of Draupadi. Often remembered in connection with the events that preceded the Kurukshetra war, Draupadi has also been described as one of the most virtuous women in Hindu mythology. Ray looks beyond these conventional perceptions and brings forward the character's inner world—her strength, dignity, suffering, sacrifices, relationships, conflicts, and search for meaning.
With its combination of mythology, history, human emotion, and psychological insight, Yajnaseni offers readers a fresh perspective on one of India's greatest epics. The novel is especially notable for placing a woman's voice and experience at the centre of the Mahabharata, making it an engaging choice for readers interested in Indian mythology, epic literature, women's perspectives, and contemporary retellings of classical stories. The Rupa edition carrying ISBN 9788171673230 is an English paperback; catalogue records list approximately 402–408 pages, depending on the edition record.
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