Dropati (Hindi, Paperback, Pratibha Rai)

Draupadi (Hindi) chronicles the life of Draupadi, who was the wife of the Pandavas. Rai has described how this protagonist was not always given the freedom to voice her opinions, thus making this book very relevant in contemporary India.

Summary Of The Book

Draupadi (Hindi), originally published in Oriya, is a novel that tells the story of Draupadi’s life.

In Draupadi (Hindi), the protagonist suddenly finds herself in the middle of the political war between the Kurus and the Drupads. To make matters worse, during her Swayamvara, Karna is rejected as her potential husband as he belongs to a lower caste. Draupadi yearns for him, but is married off to Arjuna. The author illustrates how this woman has no say about her own marriage. Draupadi accepts Arjuna as her husband, as she sees Lord Krishna inside of him. Unfortunately, the protagonist soon realizes that she has to marry not only Arjuna, but also his four brothers. Draupadi seeks Arjuna’s help, but does not get any. She ends up being the wife of all five brothers, and ironically Arjuna doesn’t forgive her for agreeing to spend one year with each husband.

Draupadi (Hindi) also introduces readers to the longing that Karna and Draupadi have for each other. Karna’s Kshatriya code of conduct forces him to keep his feelings hidden from her. He only displays anger and a feeling of revenge for what happened at the Swayamvara. This book takes a looks at how Draupadi wishes for a life of simplicity, which is devoid of politics and violence.

Each character in Draupadi (Hindi) has been beautifully described. The author shows how Draupadi’s plight back then, is similar to what many women face in the modern era. Draupadi has not always been given the importance and respect that she deserves.

About Pratibha Rai

Pratibha Rai, born in 1943, is an eminent Indian author and academician. She writes in Oriya, her mother tongue.

Some of her works include Barsha Basanta Baishakha, Dehatit, Meghamedura, and Magnamati.

The author holds a Master’s in Education and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. She initially worked as a school teacher, but later taught at different government colleges across Orissa. Rai took voluntary retirement from the State Government Service, and became a Member of the Public Service Commission of Orissa. The author has traveled extensively to attend educational and literary conferences. Rai has authored essays, novels, poetry, travelogues, and short stories. She has played a strong role in protesting against the caste and religious discrimination that are followed at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. In 1991, she became the first woman ever to win the Moortidevi Award. In 2000, Rai received the Sahitya Akademi Award, which was followed by the Padma Shri Award in 2007. Four years later, she was honoured with the Jnanpith Award.