Book Review #24: "Pandu's Other Queen" by Priyanka Bhuyan

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This rendition of mythological story interpretation of Pandu’s other queen is quite unusual. I have read about Mahabharata characters through a few reinterpretations in the book “Jaya” by Devdutt Pattanaik and “The Palace of Illusions” by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. But this book is just a wrap-up synopsis of one of the under-shadowed persona from the Kuru dynasty.


The story revolves around Pandu’s second queen Madri. Author has perfectly showcased the background of the King Shibi and highlighted his generosity and selflessness. There’s a very simple representation of Madri’s eternal love for Pandu, and the keen interest to be his favorite wife. This story takes numerous twists and turns in terms of women’s desires and Kingdom’s responsibilities. 


I also liked the fact that the author has emphasized on women’s empowerment topics via a very thin line of interrogative sentences. Some are as follows:

  • “I developed a dislike for Bhishma. Who was he to decide the fate of three maidens?”

  • “My heart went out to the two Queens. How can a woman compromise her heart for the sake of progeny? Wasn’t it unfair on the part of Kurus and Dharma?”

  • “Alas! Were women no better than cattle?”

  • “Are you willing to compromise for the sake of your love? Its irony, isn’t it, all for love and to what extent do you have to go for it?”


Talking about code of writing virtuosity, it is very simple and lucid. Anyone can easily go through this short read. 


One must read this book, not only because it's different but also, how in spite of not being Pandu’s chief wife, Madri had made an impact on history.

Comments

  1. Tomichan MatheikalNovember 2, 2022 at 6:46 AM

    Even as recently as 20th century, women in India were not treated any better than as goods and chattel. What to say about 1000s of years ago! It's not Bhishma's fault, you see.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Preity RashmiNovember 3, 2022 at 3:54 AM

    Yeah, totally agree.

    ReplyDelete

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