The Mahabharata is one of the central works of Indian literature—its characters, lessons, and tropes are widely known and referenced in Indian popular culture, literary discussions and political debate. And like all classic works, it’s ripe for reinterpretations, deconstructions and adaptations.

One such reinterpretation is Song of Draupadi, written by Ira Mukhoty. Ira’s book puts the Mahabhrata’s female characters front and center, focusing the story around their struggles and their strengths in fighting for themselves—and the men they have to care for.
Ira Mukhoty is the author of several books about India and Indian women throughout history, including Heroines: Powerful Indian Women of Myth and History (Aleph, 2017), Daughters of the Sun: Empresses, Queens and Begums of the Mughal Empire (Aleph, 2018), and Akbar: The Great Mughal (Aleph, 2020).
We’re also joined by Mariyam Haider, researcher-writer and spoken word artist in Singapore.
Today, the three of us will talk about the Mahabharata, and how Song of Draupadi reinterprets its story and central characters.
Ira can be followed on Twitter at @mukhoty, and on Instagram at @iramukhoty.
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