EXPLORING DRAUPADI'S REPRESENTATION IN INDIAN MYTHOLOGY: THE MAHABHARATA AND SOUTH INDIAN ORAL TRADITIONS

Abstract

The present research describes the Draupadi as she appears through too many facets in Indian mythology and particularly Mahabharata and South-Indian rich oral tradition. Draupadi is a figure with several layers, her intelligence quick wits and sheer grit to face adversities head-on make up one of the most enigmatic characters in human history. She is central figure and character in Mahabharata, a largely regarded Indic classic; shown as an assertive woman who takes part decisive action during the infamous dice game humiliation against her self-respect. In South Indian oral traditions, Draupadi is held up as a goddess and symbol of shakti (strength) strikingly pre-figuring Durga. which also Traditional refuge in pretended Women she was famously princess. Draupadi is of so much importance that we still can see her role in the stories and observed during some religious practices, including Draupadi Amman Festival. Specific rites and festivals are dedicated to her across India, as she is visualized in various forms the image of which today is partially seen through mythological texts. These festivals are a reminder of the socio-cultural and economic realities in which they emerge and include Draupadi temples not just to remember an era when she was honoured or condemned but as sign that even now, there is still something about her story that empowers people. This research seeks to fill some of those gaps by attending to the nuanced ways in which mythological figures change and are changed within cultural contexts, through polyvocal textual voices by looking at multiple representations of Draupadi across genres as well as practices associated with her festivals. This article tries to explore her character and significance by doing an extensive analysis of Draupadi, in order to better understand what this iconic figure continues to signify even after millennia.