“Eco-Mythology and Environmental Justice in “The Palace of Illusions”: Draupadi’s Voice of Resistance”

Abstract

This paper explores Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's The Palace of Illusions (2008) through the lens of eco-mythology and environmental justice. By retelling the Mahabharata from Draupadi's perspective, the novel intertwines mythology, nature, and resistance to explore ecological degradation and social marginalization. Nature functions not merely as a setting but as a reflection of the struggles of the oppressed. The magical palace symbolizes human greed and the desire to dominate the natural world, while its destruction highlights the consequences of environmental exploitation and unequal power structures. Draupadi's close relationship with nature and her exile in the forest represent resilience, displacement, and the experiences of marginalized communities. The novel also critiques patriarchy and war by demonstrating the interconnected exploitation of women and the environment. Through an eco-critical perspective, this study argues that Divakaruni transforms Draupadi's story into a powerful metaphor for ecological resilience, contributing to postcolonial eco-critical discussions on environmental and social justice.