Reading Notes: Mahabharata Part B

The Maiden Who Became a Knight is my favorite story from this reading, especially since it is a more empowering story about a female figure, retold by a female voice. The story begins with the eldest queen of Drupada and how she was unable to have a child with the king of the Panchalas. Drupada prayed every day for a son to be born, instead of a daughter. He dedicated his son to fight the battle against Drona. Shiva blessed him and his wife became pregnant, but with a daughter. Shiva did promise Drupada though that a son would be the next born child. Drupada went home and told his queen of the news, and she was overwhelmed with happiness and blessings. The queen was due to give birth and after she did, they informed everyone they had given birth to a son, although it was indeed a daughter. No one was suspicious and the lie went on. They named their daughter Shikhandin, which had a feminine form of Shikhandini. She was raised as a warrior, going through everything that a prince would train as and for. This daughter was just as strong as all the other princes. It was time for this "son" to find a wife, so they searched far and wide for a suitable bride. When the king of the selected bride heard of the rumors that the prince was in fact a woman, he vowed revenge on Drupada and swore to destroy his kingdom. Drupada felt guilty and weak at this time, and the queen publicly took responsibility for this lie. Drupada and his council concluded that the marriage proposal was all in good faith and they believed the daughter to be a son. So they prepared for war and prayed to the gods for help.

Source: Mahabharata by Sister Nivedita


(Shikhandi Battle Scene: wikimedia)