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Draupadī in the Mahābhārata
Author(s) -
Black Brian
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
religion compass
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.113
H-Index - 1
ISSN - 1749-8171
DOI - 10.1111/rec3.12042
Subject(s) - dharma , psychology , destiny (iss module) , persona , perspective (graphical) , psychoanalysis , character (mathematics) , personality , social psychology , machiavellianism , economic justice , literature , theology , psychopathy , philosophy , art , humanities , law , buddhism , visual arts , political science , physics , geometry , mathematics , astronomy
Abstract This paper will explore three dimensions of Draupadī’s literary personality: (1) as a divine figure with a cosmic destiny; (2) as an enraged and defenseless victim of sexual abuse; and (3) as a female scholar ( paṇḍ itā ),who contributes to the Mahābhārata ’s programmatic examination of dharma (justice). By looking at these three interconnected aspects of her character, the paper will trace her main appearances in the story, engage with scholarly discussions about her literary persona, and reflect upon how Draupadī provides a unique perspective from which to appreciate the Mahābhārata .