The Many Truths of the Mahabharata: Postmodern Retellings in a Post-Truth Age

Abstract

A key characteristic of the postmodern era is the concept of post-truth, which suggests that personal feelings and experiences take precedence over objective facts. This shift is particularly noticeable in literature, as reinterpreting traditional texts allows one to interact with modern concerns. The subjective and fractured nature of contemporary society is demonstrated via reimaginings of the Mahabharata, one of the most important and ancient epics. This present paper examines how Devdutt Pattanaik's Jaya and Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's The Palace of Illusions rewrite the Mahabharata from different angles, emphasizing complex emotions, uniqueness, and a range of perspectives. Divakaruni’s The Palace of Illusions grants Draupadi agency, reclaiming her voice and foregrounding gender, individuality, and resilience.