RECLAIMING MYTHOLOGICAL VOICES: THE REIMAGINING OF URUVI AND DRAUPADI AS NEW WOMEN IN CONTEMPORARY INDIAN LITERATURE

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The evolution of female representation in literature is deeply intertwined with the progression of societal values and the shifting frameworks surrounding gender roles and expectations. In recent years, the reinterpretation of mythological narratives through a feminist lens has emerged as a powerful vehicle for re-examining and redefining traditional portrayals of women. This research delves into the transformation of two iconic female figures—Uruvi from Kavitha Kane’s Karna’s Wife and Draupadi from Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s The Palace of Illusions—who are reimagined to embody the complexities and challenges of the "New Woman" in contemporary Indian literature. The concept of the New Woman, as explored here, encapsulates the pursuit of autonomy, self-realization, and a conscious rejection of the restrictive boundaries historically imposed by patriarchal frameworks. Through these characters, Kane and Divakaruni employ feminist literary frameworks, particularly those addressing autonomy, identity, and resilience, to present female protagonists who defy passive, traditional archetypes.The narrative arcs of Uruvi and Draupadi reflect an intricate tapestry of agency, moral authority, and individuality, positioning them as powerful counter-narratives within a predominantly male-centered mythological tradition. By embedding these characters with the traits of self-determination and ethical complexity, both authors not only challenge patriarchal conventions but also expand the cultural discourse surrounding women’s agency, emphasizing their resistance to both overt and subtle forms of control. The authors’ approach represents a nuanced critique of gender constructs within South Asian literature, depicting these heroines as resilient figures who navigate the constraints of their social environments with both intelligence and empathy.Kane and Divakaruni’s portrayals of Uruvi and Draupadi exemplify the redefinition of gender and identity, offering layered insights into how female characters can subvert historically imposed roles and transcend the limitations placed upon them by society. By granting their protagonists a sense of moral and intellectual agency, these authors highlight a transformative shift in the representation of women in Indian mythology, illustrating the power of feminist re-visioning in literature. This study, thus, positions Uruvi and Draupadi as embodiments of feminist ideals that continue to challenge, reshape, and enrich South Asian literary landscapes, affirming the cultural significance of reimagined mythological figures in the journey toward gender equality.