A FEMINIST RETELLING OF DRAUPADI IN KIRAN NAGARKAR’S CUCKOLD

Abstract

This study aims to explore the feminist retelling of Draupadi's character in the novel Cuckold by Kiran Nagarkar. Traditionally, Draupadi has been presented as a marginalized and disempowered woman who experienced humiliation and vulnerability in the Indian epic Mahabharata. However, Kiran Nagarkar breaks away from these age-old representations by offering an alternative narrative that foregrounds her agency, strength, and resilience. By employing a feminist lens, the analysis focuses on how Draupadi emerges as a powerful and independent figure in spite of living in a male-dominated society. The novel reinterprets Draupadi's life, relationships, and the challenges she faces in a new light. It critically examines and challenges the constructions of femininity and womanhood traditionally associated with Draupadi. The paper will discuss how the author reclaims Draupadi's voice, transforming her into an emblem of female empowerment and resistance against patriarchal structures. The study investigates the ways in which Draupadi embraces and defies traditional gender roles, critiques societal norms, and exercises her agency. This feminist retelling of Draupadi is an important contribution to contemporary Indian literature, as it provides a platform for the re-examination of traditional narratives from a fresh, empowering perspective. The study highlights the significance of exploring alternative voices and stories in order to break free from the shackles of conventional representations of women in Indian mythology. By doing so, the paper demonstrates the possibilities for creating new spaces for inclusive and diverse portrayals of women in literature, thereby promoting gender equality and empowerment.