Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s The Palace of Illusions presents a diasporic reinterpretation of the Indian epic The Mahabharata, told from the perspective of Draupadi. This paper analyses the novel through a diasporic lens, focusing on themes of cultural displacement, identity formation, and the negotiation of belonging. By retelling a traditional story, Divakaruni creates a cultural link that encourages readers to reconnect with their roots while questioning long-held narratives. Utilising theories of diasporic literature, such as Homi K. Bhabha's concept of cultural hybridity, Edward Said's notion of exile, and Stuart Hall's ideas on identity as a process of becoming, this study examines Draupadi's complex identity as she navigates patriarchal and cultural expectations. The novel’s use of symbolism, including the motifs of the palace and fire, highlights the fluid nature of identity and the constant adaptation seen in diasporic experiences. This paper argues that The Palace of Illusions goes beyond simple retelling; it reclaims cultural stories, fostering spaces for self- examination and dialogue within the diasporic community.
Keerthika et al. (Tue,) studied this question.