The Empress of Indraprastha - Part 2: BUILDING AN EMPIRE

by Sonali Raje

This is the second part of The Empress of Indraprastha series, a fictional recreation of the Mahabharat, and a sequel to hugely popular The Empress of Indraprastha – Entering Kuruvansh.
We’ve heard endless glories of the five brothers. Now discover the sisterhood between the wives of the Paandavs. Follow Draupadi in action, as she devises and implements financial strategies to jumpstart the economy. Tread delicate waters as Draupadi seeks answers from her husbands for causing the death of a Bhil woman and her five sons to save their own skins in the Vaarnavat fire. Watch her probe Krishna for justification about his role in the destruction of an indigenous asura habitat, simply to satiate Agni’s hunger. Plunge into the depths of her marriage with Arjun, that hits its nadir when she criticizes him for not protecting Eklavya. Explore her relationship with her sons.
The strategist Devika, the epicurean master-chef Valandhara, the mother and devoted wife, Subhadra, the danseuse Karenumati, and the financial analyst, Vijaya unite under Draupadi’s leadership as they toil towards a single-minded goal of building their empire.

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2023

Reviews

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2 Stars

One Liner: Entertaining, fast-paced, and emotional

Book two begins with the Pandavas trying to make Khandavaprastha habitable and ends with Dhuryodhana falling in a pond in the Mayasabha after Yudhistir’s Rajasuya yagna. We see Arjuna’s twelve-year exile, the marriages of the Pandava brothers to other women, and the birth of their children. Khandavaprastha is now Indraprastha, with Yudhistir as the king and Draupadi as his queen. Things are great and not great, as always.

The story comes from Draupadi’s first-person POV.

My Thoughts:

I applaud the author for the full-page disclaimer about the book being a fanfiction retelling and should not be used for academic/ learning purposes.

After reading book one, I knew what to expect in this and enjoyed the other side of the story (the domesticated aspects). Nakul and Sahadev get more space, which I loved again. Their characters shine throughout the book.

Draupadi’s voice gets better in this one. While book one was decent, this one manages to hit the cord in many areas. The relationships between Draupadi, the Pandava brothers and their other wives get deeper exploration (without excessive drama).

I love that the other women have meaty roles. They have their strengths and work together to build a stable Indraprastha. Each wife – Devika (Yudhistir), Valandhara (Bheem), Subhadra (Arjun), Karenumati (Nakul), and Vijiya (Sahadev) has a distinctive personality, which makes it easy to track them.

The book seamlessly combines political strategy, social welfare, family and relationships. This makes for a more rounded reading experience. The topics mentioned in the official blurb are briefly dealt with, which is enough for the book. I’m glad we don’t get a moral lesson with loads of preaching.

I do love the focus on Draupadi and Arjun’s relationship. It’s a welcome change to retellings that make her yearn for Karn (I hate this trope). Doesn’t it make sense for Draupadi to love Arjun a little more? She was to marry only him, after all! The scenes dealing with her angst are very well-written.

My only grouse is that I wanted them to have an actual conversation like two adults. People saying they are two parts of one soul, etc., is okay. But we need to see it, too. Give us a scene where their love for each other shines so bright that it puts everything into perspective. (I sure wouldn’t have minded Draupdi getting a proper apology from Arjun. With all the creative liberties already taken in a retelling, why not use them to enhance a genuine relationship?)

Given the number of child-births in this one, we see a lot of pregnancies too. I like how there’s enough detail to show that each pregnancy can be different and affects the mother in different ways. We also see the distinctive personalities of the children; some are happy babies, some are demanding, and some are little angels!

The writing has modern tones with many contemporary terms like indigenous, natives, invaders, war refugees, immigrants, et al. Thankfully, the content is handled with enough care to not make it sound like a ‘progressive’ rant. We see how the Pandavas and the Nagas come to an understanding and how the place becomes more habitable for everyone.

Issues like being different, unconventional family structures, marital consent, family discord, etc., are also well done. I enjoyed the way these important aspects were presented.

The scenes with Krishna are my favorite (and why not). I feel even the author loves writing about him. The dialogues feel like they’ve been written with extra care. It’s Krishna, right! Naturally, there’s quite a bit of foreshadowing, which is easy to see if you know the original.

Karn is also present (obviously), though Druapadi is more focused on her family and kingdom. Fortunately, the animosity continues and gets even stronger (also, it’s not likely to turn into anything else, which is a relief). Karn is shown as who he is instead of who readers want him to be. Contrary to the public opinion, he is no saint. I do feel his friendship and loyalty to Dhuryodhana aren’t as pure but come from a place of Karn’s self-interest, too.

There are many versions of Dhuryodhana’s tour of Mayasabha and his subsequent ‘insult’. From what I know, that particular dialogue is not said by Draupadi (though some versions say the words were spoken by Bheem). Still, I don’t mind it much (considering we have worse retellings of the same).

To summarize, The Empress of Indraprastha – Building an Empire is well-written, entertaining, and interesting. It does provide a fresh perspective of Draupadi (as far as I know) and works well for the contemporary market. (It is not a standalone.)

My thanks to the author, Sonali Raje, for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

***

P.S.: The cover is cool! I like how the colors perfectly match the description in the book. A darker skin tone would have been even better!

[Parag · Rating 5 out of 5]

#bookreview
#EmpressOfIndraprastha_2
#mahabharat

Rating 5/5

Introduction:
The Mahabharata is my favourite story and Draupadi my favourite character from the Epic. So I was really excited when I heard that an author has planned to pen a 5-part series of the Mahabharata written from draupadi's point of view.

There are a lot of things I enjoyed in this book and just as many things that stood out in a positive way.

The first thing I want to applaud is the classification of this book as Mahabharata fan-fiction and a further disclaimer that explains that several imaginary incidents have been added to enhance the storytelling. I personally think it is very important to clarify this point because readers often mistake the incidents of a retelling to have occurred in Ved Vyasa's Mahabharata also.

Story:
This book is the second part of a five-part series. It begins with the Pandavas going to the uninhabitable land of Khandavaprastha, having received it from the Kuru elders as their fair share of the kingdom.

The author has created wonderful sub-plots that incorporate practicality and science to re-imagine how the Pandavas might have turned Khandavaprastha from an arid sparsely inhabited region to a hospitable place in which they built their palace and city.

The story continues with Arjuna's 12-year exile, Subhadra's entry into Arjuna and Draupadi's life, the birth of Draupadi's children, the Rajasuya yagna, Shishupala's death, and ends with giving us a glimpse of Duryodhana's jealousy towards the Pandavas which reached new heights after he saw the Pandavas' glory in the Rajasuya yagna.

There are several imaginary incidents that show interactions between Draupadi and the other wives of the Pandavas, Draupadi and Karna's family, as well as Draupadi and Krishna.

Things I enjoyed:
1. Draupadi's banter with Nakula and Sahadeva.
2. The portrayal of Nakula and Sahadeva's characters, especially their sensitivity and sense of humour.
3. Interactions between Draupadi and Krishna are very special.
4. The insertion of the Nagas (especially, the Naga lady -- Shyambala) into the story is very well done and joyful to read.
5. Krishna's dialogues and gestures that give us a hint of the future through foreboding are fun to read.
6. The portrayal of Krishna's practicality and wisdom through incidents that are mentioned in Ved Vyasa's Mahabharata as well as imaginary incidents.
7. The camaraderie between Draupadi and the other wives of the Pandavas as well as her camaraderie with Karna's wife.
8. Portrayal of Duryodhana in the Mayasabha.
9. Portrayal of children. All the children are wonderfully portrayed in this book.
10. The way this series is being sectioned (the starting and stopping points).

Things That Could Have Been Better:
1. The dialogues. An effective dialogue is one that is identical to how we talk -- in its length and choice of words. The dialogues feel contrived and not natural because very often they are too long and use heavy words.
2. Draupadi and Karna. In Ved Vyasa's Mahabharata, there were only two instances that connect Draupadi and Karna. The first is her swayamvara and the second is after the game of dice. Karna doesn't occupy much Draupadi's mind-space as such, and neither was Krishna displeased with Draupadi because of what she may (or may not have said) in the swayamvara to Karna.
3. Even though Veda Vyasa's Mahabharata does not tell us much of Draupadi's life during their stay in Indraprastha, there is a later upa-parva that contains a discussion between Draupadi and Satyabhama. That discussion tells us a lot about her years in Indraprastha. Some of those elements, such as Draupadi's relationship with her maids, have been included, but there are many other details that were not incorporated into the storyline. What we learn about Draupadi in this upa-parva is of special importance, because it's knowledge about Draupadi in a very direct manner. I wish all the points mentioned in this upa-parva had been included in this book through imaginary subplots.

Conclusion:
I loved reading this book, and couldn't stop myself from writing in the margins everytime I read something that gave me joy as a reader.

I'm looking forward to finding out how Sonali Raje develops Draupadi's character and storyline in the next book of this series.

Many thanks to Sonali Raje and Vishwakarma Publications for sending me a reviewer's copy of the book.

[V. Sowmyanarayanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by the author Sonali Raje the book “The Empress Of Indraprastha – Building An Empire – Part II” with nineteen chapters and more than 200 odd pages is very interesting one. It makes the reader to recall the characters of the great epic MahaBharata the most voluminous work in this world. Though it is weaved with the real themes taken from that famous epic, the author innovatively elaborated the incidents, celebrations, conversations which can’t be found in the original. Especially the women characters particularly the character of Draupadi was portrayed in befitting manner. Here the important phrases are being reviewed to feel and cherish the aesthetic pleasure of this fine novel literature.

The cover page was well designed by the illustrator which make the readers to visualize the Character of Draupadi.

The author Sonali Raje works as an associate professor of chemistry at Towson University. “The Empress Of Indraprastha – Building An Empire is a sequal to her debut novel, ““The Empress Of Indraprastha – Entering Kuruvansh.”

The mastery of her thoughts with the Indian Epic literature will elate the readers throughout the book. This book provides many life lessons which will motivate and inspire the readers to take up tough tasks and face challenges in their lives. Here is an example:

I quote from page 9: "A lack of resources need not stop one from being resourceful".

This statement echoes the wise sayings "क्रियासिद्धिः सत्त्वे भवति महतां नोपकरणे" "प्रारब्धमुत्तमगुणाः न परित्यजन्ति" "Success of action never depends on the tool but on the will". "Noble people never stop from their tasks which are assigned to them though they face impediments."

"A lack of resources need not stop one from being resourceful": This statement highlights the importance of creativity, innovation, and determination in overcoming challenges. It suggests that even if someone doesn't have all the necessary resources at their disposal, they can still find ways to achieve their goals by utilizing their ingenuity and adaptability. This concept aligns with the wise saying "Success of action never depends on the tool but on the will", which emphasizes that the key to success lies in one's determination and resolve rather than the specific tools or resources they have. When faced with limited resources, individuals who are determined and resourceful can find alternative solutions, workarounds, and creative approaches to achieve their objectives.

"Noble people never stop from their tasks which are assigned to them though they face impediments.” This saying underscores the idea that truly noble individuals are committed to their responsibilities and objectives, regardless of the obstacles they encounter. It implies that a person of integrity and honor remains steadfast in their pursuits even when faced with challenges. This principle is closely related to the notion that "A lack of resources need not stop one from being resourceful", as it reflects the idea that noble individuals, when confronted with limited resources or impediments, will use their resourcefulness to continue working towards their goals. The key characteristic here is persistence despite difficulties.

These statements collectively emphasize the importance of determination, resourcefulness, and unwavering commitment to achieving one's objectives. They highlight how individuals with a strong will and a creative approach can overcome obstacles and carry out their tasks, even in the face of limitations or challenges.

Here is a concept of geographical feature contextually described when the shyambala a female clan of Naaga, argued with Krishna about owning a land.

"Humans have done nothing besides creating imaginary lines on the single piece of the rock that was created by someone or something else." These lines from page 22 conveys a perspective on human actions and achievements in the context of the larger natural world. Let's break down the statement to understand its meaning:

"Humans have done nothing besides creating imaginary lines." This part of the statement suggests that many of the actions and accomplishments of humanity might seem insignificant when viewed from a cosmic or geological perspective. "Creating imaginary lines" could refer to various human constructs such as borders, boundaries, maps, and divisions that have been established to organize societies, nations, and territories. These constructs, while significant to humans for administrative, cultural, and political reasons, may appear inconsequential when considering the vastness and complexity of the universe.

Overall, this statement invites contemplation about the relative scale and impact of human activities in the context of the Earth's history and the vastness of the universe. It suggests that while humans have accomplished many remarkable feats, their actions are just a small part of a much larger and older narrative that includes the formation of the planet itself. It's a reflection on the humbling reality that the Earth and its processes were already in motion long before humans came into existence and started creating their own structures and divisions.

I quote from page 35 -"Fair too many people live under the delusion that marriage gives them unfettered rights over their spouse's bodies. People should learn from you.”

One can connect the two statements by addressing the concepts of autonomy, mutual respect, and communication within a marriage or partnership. This situation exemplifies the importance of recognizing each other's autonomy within a marriage. Just as marriage doesn't grant one unlimited control over their partner's body, it also involves understanding and respecting the physical and emotional well-being of each individual. Your approach of considering your partner's exhaustion and readiness for another pregnancy demonstrates a healthy dynamic, where decisions are made through mutual understanding and communication. It's a reminder that true partnership involves honouring each other's needs and feelings, rather than assuming entitlement. This perspective on autonomy and respect can positively shape a relationship, fostering a deeper sense of understanding and empathy."

"Different is not the same as weird." From page 64 of the book throw clear light on the difference between the two words. It is better that every reader pays a definite attention to this point.

Different: "Different" simply means that something is not the same as something else. It signifies a variance or distinction from the norm or from what is commonly expected or known. In essence, it acknowledges diversity and uniqueness.

Weird: "Weird," on the other hand, carries a somewhat negative connotation. It refers to something that is strange, unusual, or unconventional in a way that may make people feel uncomfortable or perplexed. It often implies that the thing being described deviates significantly from societal norms or expectations.

The statement emphasizes that just because something is different does not necessarily mean it is weird or unusual in a negative sense. It reminds us that diversity and uniqueness are natural and should be accepted without judgment. People, ideas, cultures, and behaviours can all be different from one another, but that doesn't automatically make them weird or wrong. It encourages an open-minded perspective that embraces and respects differences, recognizing that what is different to one person may be entirely normal and meaningful to another.

"I agree that Ekalavya and Karna were both deceitful" Page 101. Here Draupadi condemns the partiality of Dronacharya. This finds a similarity with the phrase "शिष्यहितैषिणः गुरवः" from Dharma Sastra, a teacher should always strive for the sake of his disciples without partiality.

"We show respect to our elders. Chandralekha is much older than all of you and you will speak to her respectfully" These lines are from Page 109- speaks about "अभिवादनशीलस्य नित्यं वृद्धोपसेविनः। चत्वारि तस्य वर्धन्ते आयुर्विद्या यशो बलम्।।" A person who respects the elders is going to be grown up with the increment of Life-span, knowledge, fame and strength.

The chapter Team work echoes the idea of 11th verse from 3rd Chapter of Gita "परस्परं भावयन्तः श्रेयः परमवाप्स्यत" "Memorandum of understanding with each other attain the elevation." Which is an essential tool for all the professional ones.

Like these are numerous messages for the readers and people at large. This book is worth reading and is successful in keeping the readers hooked till the end. Though the major plot of the work is very well known the fictional tale is intricately woven into a fine fabric.

[Pallavi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so CAPTIVATING!

THE COVER:
Let's talk about this cover huh? Grinning w wide eyes, immediately sitting up in my bed was my first reaction. It is breathtaking at first glance, but even more pretty when you realize WHAT it is a graphic depiction of + does justice to Panchali's alt name: KRISHNAA.😍😍

THE PLOT:
The storyline of this installment revolves around the Pandavs & their struggles in Khandavprastha - the book goes into delicious detail keeping you hooked the entire time.

THE CHARACTERS:
The stars of this series have been & are the characters. They're what you get emotionally invested in, they're people you'll end up relating to. Draupadi, her sons, the Pandavas' other wives & their dynamics are elaborated upon so beautifully. The author writes delicately & respectfully, from Draupadi's impulsivity to Devika's level headedness, this book is for the oft overlooked females of Mahabharata. The purity of some relationships that developed in this book is something that will stay with me

P.S. Draupadi-Arjun😭😭😭

THE SETTING:
GORGEOUS - add beautiful writing to the Maya Mahal & you have ''I-can't-stop-reading syndrome.' The forest to the palaces to the fair to the rajasuya yagya, GOD!!!! 😍😍

SPECIAL NOTE:
In her classic fashion, the author adds so much flavor w her food related tadka, making me crave everything from malpuas to even Shyambala's wild roots!

The second installment feels so much more at home and I was so glad the author decided to make this a full fledged series. Eagerly waiting for the next installment. A huge thank you to the author!

[Saswata Guha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Empress Reimagined: Draupadi’s Power, Politics, and the Making of Indraprastha:

Sonali Raje’s The Empress of Indraprastha – Building an Empire provides a unique retelling of the Mahabharata, centering on Draupadi’s role in shaping Indraprastha. While mainstream narratives of the Mahabharata focus on the valor and politics of the Pandavas and Kauravas, this book explores the intricate workings of an empire through the perspective of Draupadi and the other wives of the Pandavas. From a historical perspective, the book reflects the transition of Khandavaprastha into Indraprastha, a transformation that mirrors real-world shifts from pastoral settlements to flourishing urban centers. The ancient texts describe the burning of Khandava forest as a mythic justification for deforestation to create space for civilization—a theme that finds resonance in many cultures, including Greek and Roman myths, where divine intervention is often linked with urban development.

The focus on Draupadi's role as an economic strategist is noteworthy, as historical and Vedic texts often underscore the involvement of women in governance, particularly in matters of social welfare, economic administration, and diplomacy. The Arthashastra of Kautilya mentions that queens were involved in statecraft, a fact often overlooked in mainstream narratives of ancient Indian history. Raje’s depiction aligns with these texts, emphasizing Draupadi’s strategic mind and her leadership in governance.

Philosophical and Psychological Dimensions:

Draupadi's perspective allows the book to explore deeper philosophical questions about duty (dharma), justice, and human fallibility. The scene where she challenges Krishna about the destruction of an indigenous Asura habitat resonates with modern ethical debates about collateral damage and the moral cost of war. This dialogue aligns with existential and ethical inquiries found in Greek tragedies, where the morality of divine will versus human suffering is questioned—akin to Prometheus questioning Zeus’s justice.

The psychological depth given to Draupadi is a refreshing take on her character, portraying her as more than a wronged queen. She is inquisitive, self-aware, and unafraid to challenge even Krishna, showcasing a psychological realism absent in many traditional retellings. Her internal conflicts, particularly her anger towards Arjuna for not protecting Eklavya and her distress over the death of the Bhil woman and her children, highlight a character grappling with the moral contradictions of her world. This aspect is crucial as it humanizes a legendary figure, making her relatable beyond the confines of mythology.

Cultural References Across the Globe:

The theme of female solidarity among Draupadi and the other wives of the Pandavas is reminiscent of matriarchal systems found in various cultures. In African and Native American traditions, women have historically played significant roles in governance, similar to the way Draupadi leads her sisterhood to build Indraprastha. The collective power of women in this book can also be compared to the role of female leaders in Greek mythology, such as the Amazons, who were not just warriors but also builders of societies.

The idea of marriage alliances as a political strategy is another significant theme, paralleling European medieval history where royal marriages solidified alliances. The Pandavas' multiple marriages serve a similar function, strengthening political ties and ensuring territorial stability, akin to how marriages among European nobility were used to cement alliances between rival factions.

Socio-Economic and Anthropological Insights:

The book highlights the socio-economic transformation of Indraprastha, shedding light on urban planning, economic policies, and the struggles of integrating diverse populations into a unified kingdom. The reference to Draupadi as a financial strategist echoes modern discussions about the role of women in economic policy-making. In ancient India, queens often wielded influence in trade and economic affairs, a fact supported by historical records of the Chola and Maurya dynasties.

The portrayal of the Nagas as marginalized people resonates with the historical displacement of indigenous tribes in various civilizations. The book subtly comments on issues of displacement and integration, much like real-world instances of indigenous populations being forced to adapt to changing socio-political landscapes. The way Draupadi navigates these challenges reflects the ongoing global discourse on economic refugees, cultural assimilation, and the rights of native populations.

Parallels with Global Mythologies and Cinema:

The book’s portrayal of Draupadi’s struggles and triumphs bears resemblance to mythological figures from around the world. Her complex relationship with Arjuna, including moments of love, conflict, and misunderstanding, mirrors the dynamics of legendary couples like Odysseus and Penelope, who also endure separations, conflicts, and reconciliations. The emphasis on Draupadi's leadership and inner strength is akin to the depiction of Queen Gorgo in 300, where the female protagonist is more than a consort—she is a political force in her own right.

The narrative style and characterization evoke similarities with modern cinema and literature that focus on reinterpreting legendary female figures. Films like Elizabeth (1998), which reframe the life of Queen Elizabeth I as a political drama, or The Handmaid’s Tale, which critiques patriarchal control, echo the themes of female resilience and agency present in The Empress of Indraprastha.

Political Themes: Greece and Beyond:

The politics of the Pandavas’ rise to power reflects classical Greek political thought, particularly Plato’s ideas on justice and governance. The transformation of Indraprastha is akin to the evolution of Athens from a struggling city-state to a powerful empire. The rivalry between the Pandavas and Kauravas can also be compared to the Peloponnesian War, where Sparta and Athens vied for dominance through both military prowess and strategic diplomacy.

The book also engages with contemporary political themes such as refugee crises, the ethics of war, and the challenges of governance in diverse societies. The Pandavas' dilemma in balancing power with justice reflects real-world political struggles seen in nation-building efforts throughout history.

Final Thoughts:

The Empress of Indraprastha – Building an Empire is more than just a historical retelling; it is a philosophical, political, and psychological exploration of Draupadi’s role in shaping a civilization. Sonali Raje successfully bridges the gap between mythology and contemporary issues, making the book both engaging and thought-provoking. While there are areas where deeper emotional resolution could have been provided—such as a more developed confrontation between Draupadi and Arjuna—the novel remains a powerful and necessary reimagination of the epic. It not only challenges traditional narratives but also contributes to the larger discourse on female agency, governance, and morality across time and cultures.

[MCR SESHA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of The Empress of INDRAPRASTHA -BUILDING AN EMPIRE

This volume is the second in the intended five-part series of the book “The Empress of Indraprastha” and starts from the days of Hastinapura bifurcation and stops after Rajasuya Yajna and Duryodhan’s tripping in the water in Mayasabha. Approximately, this covers the 23 years of their life period. These are their best years and, by and large peaceful, though they had to struggle in the beginning to make the barren and challenging terrain of Khandavaprastha, which they managed to convert as Indraprastha and went on to establish an empire and make Draupadi as the ‘Empress of Indraprastha.’

The Book Cover:

The excellent book cover, by the illustrator Akash Ghosh, captures Draupadi, in all her splendour, seated on the majestic throne specially glided with gold with lion heads as armrests. And look at her fabulous dress and the matching ornaments. This unique dress is a rich green and blue outfit in Kalinga painstakingly woven for a considerable period long ago but could find a deserving buyer in Draupadi for a thousand gold coins. The jewellery is full of emeralds and sapphires. Supriya, Karna’s second wife, made these ornaments and presented them to Draupadi on the eve of her coronation, stunning Draupadi, who had the exact outfit to go with it. When the outfit is shown to Supriya, it is her turn to get stunned as it was she, who had woven it when she was a poor daughter of a struggling father who later became the treasurer of Kalinga. Readers of the first part are well aware that she was the friend of Bhanumsthi, wife of Duryodhana and Kalinga princess. The author comes up with a beautiful quote here.

“The universe always bides its time and inevitably finds a way to deliver what is meant for us.”

Wives and children of Pandavas:

Readers of Mahabharata would be aware that each Pandava had at least a wife, other than Draupadi and had children with them. However, only a few details about them are found, even in fictional works about Draupadi. The one reference we always come across is that Draupadi had agreed to those marriages but with the condition that they should not enter Hastinapur, with the lone exception being Subhadra, as she is Krishna’s sister. However, common sense tells that Pandavas can not go and live in the places of their wives, leaving the royal affairs for long. The author proposed this logic in the first part itself when Devika is married, and a separate building was made for her. So, all those Pandava wives must be living together in the same fort under different buildings, and naturally, there will be interactions. This is where the literary imagination of the author comes to the fore. Devika proposes the name of Valandara as a suitable match for Bhima. Draupadi tells him a sure way of succeeding in the Swayamvara. Please read it yourself, I don't wish to be a spoiler. Nakula marries Krenumathi, granddaughter of Shishupala, and Sahadeva marries Vijaya. All these worthy daughters-in-law live very cohesively and work for the development of Indraprastha.

The pregnancies of every son of Pandavas ( except those of Chitrangada and Ulupi) are elaborately mentioned, and those portions are dealt with sensitivity. The characters of children, starting from Prativindya, were introduced, including their childhood pranks and the concern of mothers towards the eating and grooming of their children.

Draupadi, Subhadra & Arjuna:

The special relationship between Arjuna and Draupadi stands out separately among all the inter-relations. Draupadi is peeved about Arjuna’s multiple marriages without her consent and is particularly sour with him for marrying Subhadra. Though she likes and is friendly with Subhadra, she is cool with Arjuna, and he reciprocates. Only late, with Krishna’s subtle and unspoken counselling, Draupadi realises her folly and reconciles with the realisation that it was possible for Arjuna to love both of them simultaneously, and there was no quantification of love. Then she loves Arjuna with the whole of her heart.

Maya Sabha: Andhe ka putra Andha:

Most readers would be aware of Mayasabha incident, which in one way, changes the course of everybody’s life. There are different texts and interpretations, dramatic, cinematic and poetic liberties concerning this incident. The author had boldly alluded to a version where Draupadi says in such terms( not exactly those words) only to soothe her favourite maid, who was ill-spoken by Duryodhana. However, the moment the words are spoken, and she realises that all, including Duryodhana, heard them, she knows she has made a mistake. Her stand that her reference is to Dhritharashtra’s blindness was not literal but only metaphorical is not fully agreed to by Pandavas. Draupadi decides to visit Hastinapura personally and apologise to the father-in-law. But could she? Krishna only hopes everything will be sorted out amicably.We will know more about this in the next part and have to wait.

Overall:

The writing style is free-flowing, and the characters talk like in modern times. Most of the narrative is by dialogues, and if you are a fast reader, you can complete the book in one or two sittings. The relations of husband and wife are depicted nicely. There are new characters, like a Naga woman and her son, who start as adversaries and end up as friends. Prativindya becomes friends with Karna’s sons. The mutual hatred and animosity between Karna and Draupadi only increases. Abhimanyu is saved from near death by Draupadi. Bhima killed Jarasandha. Krishna punished Shishupal by using Chakra. Krishna’s wound was bandaged by Draupadi with her pallu. So many incidents were packed, and hints of foreboding appear here and there, and it is for readers to pick them up.

Readers interested in various versions of Draupadi would certainly enjoy reading this making comparisons with their earlier favourite books, and deciding for themselves which Draupadi they now like!

[Amazon Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

The pros (yes, there are a few): there are no major structural mistakes in the writing. This reader very much appreciates not getting yanked out of the story by careless writing.

Secondly, I really liked how the relationship between Panchali/Kalyani and Arjuna was developed. His petulance, her annoyance at his refusal to admit mistakes, her hurt, all of it. And the reconciliation doesn't happen in a day.

***SPOILERS, MAYBE***

That said, even this Krishna-Panchali fan could not tolerate the extent of elevation she got in the book. And that, too, in non-events. All the Pandava women apparently depended on her.

And what happened to the actual Panchali who was the finance minister of the empire? Kalyani actually states she is not interested in finances! She's more interested in science and fighting. Why, when Vyasa clearly said Krishna-Panchali knew the accounts of the empire to the last paisa?

She also dealt with the citizens. Kalyani, OTOH, needs Krishna (Krishna-Govinda) to teach her how to deal with subjects.

Subhadra, my God! The character was reduced to a calendar figure. She simply couldn't get any flatter. She happily accepts that while Arjuna loves her, Kalyani would remain half of his soul. I mean, did Subhadra have no sense of self-worth to elope with a man who says to her she would always play second fiddle? Actually, let me correct myself. Krishna says that to her to prep her for life with Arjuna-Kalyani. Her own brother is telling her this would be her place and encouraging her to elope and go into this life

Desperation to escape Duryodhan would be understandable. But while it's mentioned, that's not what is shown as driving Subhadra's actions.

Then, to announce her pregnancy to Arjuna, she goes to get Kalyani. Why? Why, why, why, why, why?

And Krishna justifying Khandava dahana is enraging. No group can claim a piece of land? So it's ok for developers to smoke out slums? At least elaborate on the political justifications and accept the reality of the time.

No explanations from Krishna to Panchali on why he encouraged Subhadra haran. Just all-knowing looks as though Kalyani is at fault (insert #disbeliefandlaughter) for not appreciating Arjuna bringing home another woman.

Sorry, but this smug Krishna is intolerable.

The deviations from the text: I don't usually bother because every author has their point of view, but the deviations lead to problematic characterizations here.

While other characters fawn over Kalyani, she also gets reprimanded by her own mother for rejecting Karna by calling him a sutha.

Let's forget the fact that BORI has dismissed this as an interpolation. Let's also forget the fact that Karna actually failed to string the bow even in the 4 versions which mention rejection as opposed to the nearly 2000 versions which do not. At least there are 4 versions.

But Kalyani not allowing other Pandava women into the palace? Why are they deferring to her so much, then? They should've been spitting mad. This is a Devdutt Pattnaik creation, not Vyasa's.

Kalyani calling Duryodhan andha? Those episodes are nowhere in any version. Why include these made-up incidents when it's not even done in a rational manner? Why shift blame to a woman when the men did the mocking? A group which included Krishna, by the way.

The male elevation doesn't end there. Pandavas built Indraprastha with the money they got from Panchal and Dwaraka. That is clearly stated in the text. Panchali brought in a ton of money from Drupada and Krishna. Subhadra brought some later. Pandavas were in no position to reject any help as is shown in the book.

Not to mention the Karna whitewashing. By God! The sex-assaulter is painted in a sympathetic light at the expense of the assault survivor.

At the end of the read, I simply could not understand why all the TV show tropes were inserted. Because most of it is demeaning to Panchali, and this is a series purportedly from her point of view. And why the unnecessary elevation in aspects of the story which didn't involve her? If the author had shown her as she was, it would've been more than enough. Because she towered over every other character in the book as she was. Yes, even over Krishna-Govinda.

Edited to add this gem: Arjuna was competitive and jealous of Karna in this book, not the other way around.

One more. Vyasa states that the 5 Pandavas were like *elephants in rut* when they saw Panchali. Not to mention the fact he specifically tells them to go there and win her for political reasons. In the book, Arjuna tells Kalyani he only wanted to win the archery contest. And that he never even saw her before winning. (insert #headsmack)

[Promita Dey · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Empress of Indraprastha: Building an Empire” is a retelling of the epic mythology “Mahabharata” in a more descriptive and colloquial way. The book mainly focuses on the life of Draupadi and how Khandavaprastha rose into Indraprastha. From the journey of Draupadi's polygamy marriage to her motherhood, everything is very beautifully expressed throughout the book. A lot of the events are covered throughout the book keeping in mind to maintain the realness of the scenes.

The character of Draupadi is flawlessly described through the book. From her wit to solve a financial problem to her bold avatar while asking for justification about Krishna’s role in the destruction of an indigenous asura habitat, simply to satiate Agni's hunger, you’ll love it all. Not only Draupadi but you’ll also find the characters of Devika, Valandhara, Subhadra, Karenumati, and Vijaya plausible.

If you've read the Mahabharata, you'll know that every single one of the Pandavas, except for Draupadi, had a wife and kids. This book talks about the relationships of the second wives and their relationship with Draupadi as well as their husbands. The pregnancies of all Pandavas' sons (with the exception of Chitrangada and Ulupi) are discussed in detail, and the portions are presented in a very sensitive manner. The characters of the children, beginning with Prativindhya, were presented, including their juvenile antics and the worries of the mothers regarding the nourishment and education of their children.

The author has preserved the essence of the ancient Mahabharat, and nothing extra, vulgar or insensitive is written. The cover of the book is alluring and appealing and I wouldn't hesitate to pick the book again any day just by looking at mesmerizing cover. I would like to appreciate the designer for the choice of colour over the cover and for the beautiful hand-drawn art. The language of the book is simple yet crisp and very easy to grasp even for a beginner. The dialogues used are just like modern day conversations and it won’t bore you even for a moment. The glossary at the end is an easy guide for different Hindi words used over the book.

The narrative also delves into Draupadi's emotional state as she learns about the marital relationships that occur, particularly Arjun's union with Uloopi and Subhadra and that of Chitrangada. The special relationship between Arjun and Draupadi stands out separately among all the inter-relations and its very much evident in the book.

New characters are introduced such as Naga wife and her son who start off as enemies and turn out to be good friends of Prativndya. Karna's sons become good friends of Draupadi's sons. Karna's hatred and enmity towards Draupadi and Karna's love towards her wife, gets near-death experience by Abhimanyu, Bhima kills Jarlasandha, Krishna punishes Shishupal with the use of Chakra, Krishna's wounds are bandaged by Draupadi's pallu- there are so many incidents that are packed with meaning, and there are hints of premonitions here and there that the reader has to pick up.

Overall, the narrative is engaging and you won’t feel a moment that you’re reading an age-old mythology. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction, myth, and women's empowerment stories. Also, if you haven’t read the first part, the second part won’t feel totally incomplete.

[Gaurav Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I am not afraid to stand alone, for I trust in my own abilities and have faith in my destiny.”

Draupadi, one of the central characters in the epic Mahabharata is a fiery queen who is a rare combination of beauty with brains. She has been brought up in such a way that she is equally well versed with the scriptures as she is with the art of warfare. She has leadership qualities and is not afraid to stand up for the weak.

Sonali Raje’s second book in the series ‘The Empress of Indraprastha – Building an Empire’ has shown her as a woman who is not only a devoted wife but also stands her ground when needed. She is depicted as a woman who knows her strengths but at the same time has no delusion about her weaknesses. Whenever she has made a mistake she has owned it with all her heart. She has the wisdom to understand the criticality of a situation and has the audacity to be practical even in the times of adversity. The way she motivates the brothers to transform ‘Khadavaprastha’ to “Indraprastha’ speaks volumes about her commitment and clear thinking.

No points to guess that the book has been written from the perspective of Draupadi. It is divided into nineteen chapters along with a scintillating teaser of the next book in the series. The language of the book is easy to follow with the exception of some difficult words. However, they do not restrict your flow of reading. The book has been categorized as ‘Mythological Fiction’. However, I think it would have been more appropriate to call it a ‘Historical Fiction’ as Mahabharata is considered as ‘Itihasa’ or history. Although it is a work of fiction, but still I would like to call out some instances or things that may be cringeworthy for people who have read the unabridged Mahabharata by Ved Vyasa: -

1. The book mentions ‘Phirni’ which was not present at the time of Mahabharata. It is believed that phirni was originated in ancient Persia and was introduced to India by the Mughals.

2. The book says that Dhrupad promised Drona that he would give him half of his kingdom when they were students in a Gurukul. According to Mahabharata, Dhrupad neither promised Drona half of his kingdom nor the latter asked for it when they met. Drona introduced himself as Dhrupad’s friend when he went to his court which Dhrupad did not like and ended up insulting him.

3. According to book Draupadi likened Duryodhana to his father who is blinded by his own ego when he inadvertently fell in the pool. As per original Mahabharata Draupadi was not even present when he fell in the pool.

Many books have been written from the perspective of Draupadi and there is no dearth of retellings of Mahabharata. I usually don’t appreciate the retellings which are full of conjectures and quite far from the original narrative. However, this book has kept the instances as near as possible to the original Mahabharata and has not taken the creative liberty for granted which I appreciate.

Sonali is a gifted storyteller. I would recommend her to write something original once she is through with her Draupadi series. I am sure that she would soon become a celebrated writer.

Overall, it’s a good book and I will recommend it to all Mahabharata aficionados. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Sejal Rangi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll admit, I loved this second installment more than the first. I finished it in just two days, completely pulled in. The story begins with the building of Indraprastha, and from the start, Draupadi feels alive—not just the legendary queen of epic tales, but a woman of flesh and feeling. Sonali paints her with dimension: wife, mother, sister-in-law, strategist, & most importantly, someone who refuses to bow to what she knows is wrong. I especially appreciated how the other wives were given room to breathe; they weren’t shadows lingering at the margins, but women with their own presence and strength.

The sections on motherhood touched me deeply. The children’s chatter, their small quarrels, their playful mischief—they brought tenderness and warmth, reminding me that even in the midst of politics and destiny, Draupadi was also a mother holding her family together. This book leaned more into her bonds with Nakul and Arjun. The handling of her jealousy, longing, & heartbreak during Arjun’s exile & marriages felt achingly human, a reminder that beneath the grandeur of myth, Draupadi lived with emotions we still recognize today.

The Maya Sabha scene itself was retold with power, & the breezy, approachable writing kept me turning pages. Unlike the first installment, the ending here found its rhythm—it didn’t feel rushed or forced, but landed naturally & left me satisfied.

That’s not to say the book is flawless. Historical inaccuracies jolted me out of the narrative at times. Some dialogues felt stiff, like they were written to impress rather than to move. Most disappointing, though, was Krishna. His relationship with Draupadi, one of the epic’s most magnetic bonds, felt shallow and unconvincing. Their conversations lacked spark, & Krishna himself came across muted. The technical planning passages dragged, slowing the flow. And Draupadi’s conflict with Arjun resolved far too abruptly, without the emotional weight it deserved. Then there’s Karna—his confession that he would have given Draupadi away to Duryodhana if he had won her jarred completely. It felt like an attempt to soften his image in a way that simply didn’t fit.

And yet, despite these flaws, I came away with my heart full. This Draupadi is fiery, vulnerable, flawed—above all, real. She’s not just a figure preserved in myth, but a woman who still has the power to move us, challenge us, & stay with us. That’s why, just like with the first book, I’m left curious and eager to see where Sonali takes her next.

[The Book Affair · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙝𝙞𝙢, 𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙙. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙚𝙜𝙤. 𝙃𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙤𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩.”

After reading the first book in this series “The Empress of Indraprastha”, I was eagerly looking forward to Part 2. Continuing from where it ended in Part 1, the book takes you through Draupadi’s journey as they build an empire from a piece of barren, hostile land and true to it’s title of how she transforms into the Empress of Indraprastha.

Draupadi’s character has always intrigued me. From the various portrayals I have read about her, I have concluded that her character is really complex to describe. But one commonality in all descriptions is that she is a strong woman, one who is determined and stands by the truth. The author has managed on giving us a Draupadi who is both ambitious and vulnerable at the same time.

In my opinion, retelling an epic is the most difficult job for an author. As a writer, you have to bring in fresh and modern perspectives to the story while not digressing from the original crux. And it pops up controversial topics that need to be addressed with sensitivity. The author has done a great job in highlighting nuances like cheating the innocent to a death trap, being a childless woman, the act of forgiveness over ego, and more.

The author writes effortlessly, very easy to read and understand for beginners as well. It covers all elements of a good book - great plot, amazing characters and a thought provoking narrative. If you are a mythology fan, you have to read this series. As for me, I’m eagerly waiting for the next part entailing the infamous courtroom drama.

And lastly, how can I not talk about this book cover recreation! I know it has been ages since the last one but this one has turned out to be really well. The moment I saw the book, I was sure that I wanted to recreate it.

Tell me in the comments below what do you think of this book and the recreation.

[Read With Taran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This amazing sequel to Empress of Indraprastha is a captivating historical fan fiction that ingeniously weaves together elements from the Mahabharat with imaginative narratives. Raje's bold approach introduces readers to a fresh perspective on the epic tale, while her meticulous research shines through in the meticulously crafted storyline.

With a creative blend of realism, science, and analysis, the author transports us to a world that feels both rooted in history and relevant to our times. The book's standout feature is its women-centered narrative, a departure from the traditionally patriarchal lens through which the Mahabharat is often seen. By doing so, Raje reimagines the roles and perspectives of key characters, adding layers of complexity to their journeys.

Raje's elegant prose paints a vivid tapestry of emotions and ambitions, making the characters and their struggles relatable even in today's context.

As the Empress and her family navigate challenges and strive to build their legacy, Raje skillfully highlights timeless virtues of righteousness, humility, and compassion. This book, like the empire it explores, is a team effort—a collaboration between the author's creative ingenuity and the readers' engagement.

Seamlessly continuing The Empress of Indraprastha series, this sequel delves deeper into the untold sisterhood amongst the wives of the Paandavs, revealing their multifaceted roles beyond the epic's spotlight. With Draupadi at the forefront, Raje skillfully uncovers new dimensions of her character, blending history and imagination seamlessly. The book takes readers on a voyage that's both captivating and enlightening, as it celebrates the power of unity, strategy, and female empowerment. This book is an enriching and thought-provoking read that seamlessly blends the past with the present, reminding us that the journey of building something significant is always a collective endeavor.

[Abhinav Atul · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Building An Empire is the second book in The empress of Indraprastha series, continuing the story of Draupadi from her perspective. With many of the same limitations as the first book, the second instalment is indeed deeper, longer and more interesting than the previous one.
The age old story of Mahabharata retold in parts in the words of the fire-born beauty, Panchaali, continues as she continues her yearly rotation of living with each of her husbands. Most part of the book is dedicated to her family life as she raises her children and balances her duties to four husbands and her longing for the fifth – Arjun, during his twelve year exile.The timeline is difficult to track, though. Months or years passing and the Upapandavas growing up appear inconsistent with 9 month pregnancy and yearly shift of sharing quarters with the husbands. The time spent with the children, especially their nutrition seemed a little repetitive and vague, in the grand scheme of the epic.
Building of the nation of Indraprastha from the barren wasteland of Khandavaprastha is prominent and, for the most part, enjoyable. As the climactic Rajsooya Yajna brings events to a more stable pace, unfolding of events have been given their due weightage.
What I found lacking was the politics. The complex regional politics and delicate intricacies of ruling did not find much focus in the book, primarily because of the narrator being Draupadi. Most battles, skirmishes and even the political altercations are off page, only described in conversation.
This isn’t a bad thing if you note that the book is about Draupadi, not the whole of Mahabharata. And as such, the author chose to depict the version of Duryodhan’s fall in Mayasabha that involved Draupadi.
This saga still has a long way to go to fill the pages with colours of intrigue, excitement and entertainment to reach the zenith of MythFic. Wishing all the best to the author for the next book.

[Shreemanti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just had the incredible experience of immersing myself in the captivating world of The Empress of Indraprastha - Part 2: BUILDING AN EMPIRE by Sonali Raje, and I must say, it surpassed all my expectations! Picking up from where the first book left off, this installment follows Draupadi's journey as she ascends to become the empress of Indraprastha, and what a journey it is!

Draupadi, as a character, is nothing short of remarkable. Her strength, resilience, and determination are awe-inspiring, and I found myself completely invested in her growth and struggles. Raje has done a masterful job in crafting a multifaceted protagonist who embodies both vulnerability and unwavering resolve.

One of the highlights of the book is the beautiful portrayal of the sisterhood.

The Empress of Indraprastha - Part 2: BUILDING AN EMPIRE is not afraid to explore profound and difficult themes. Raje delves into the poignant loss of children, the impact of destroying indigenous habitats, and the consequences of wielding power. Yet, amidst these weighty issues, the author skillfully weaves threads of hope and inspiration, leaving the reader with a sense of optimism even in the face of adversity.

Raje's writing is both eloquent and evocative, transporting the reader back to ancient India and immersing them in a world rich with historical detail and cultural nuances. I found myself utterly engrossed in the narrative, losing track of time as I followed Draupadi's journey.

This book is an absolute gem, resonating with readers who appreciate historical fiction, mythology, and stories of empowered women. The Empress of Indraprastha - Part 2: BUILDING AN EMPIRE is a triumphant tale of ambition, sisterhood, and resilience, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an enthralling and thought-provoking read.

[Eric Wilson Hector · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Empress Of Indraprastha 2 Building An Empire is a beautiful book written by Sonali Raje this is the 2nd book in the The Empress Of Indraprastha series.
Khandvaprastha- a barren, hostile land unfit for inhabitation... As the Paandav brothers expand their domain, their constant conquests besiege the kingdom with a refugee crisis and economic instability. Follow Draupadi in action, as she devises and implements financial strategies to jumpstart the economy. Tread delicate waters as Draupadi seeks answers from her husbands for causing the death of a Bhil woman and her five sons to save their own skins in the Vaarnavat fire. Watch her probe Krishna for justification about his role in the destruction of an indigenous asura habitat to satiate Agni's hunger. Plunge into the depths of her marriage with Arjun, that hits its nadir. Explore her bond with her sons. Embark on the journey as the talented, brilliant and industrious women of the house band together while they toil towards a single-minded goal of building their empire.
I had such an amazing time reading this book it's such a page turner that I finished it only in one sitting. The best thing about this book is how the author has managed to keep a fast pace while doing justice to all events and characters it's simply mind blowing to see how every thing comes together. Other than that I loved the focus on the female characters plus the fact that the author has tried to write the characters in a very realistic way that makes them more human and relatable. Moreover at times the book feels as if reading a classic thriller with drama and politics and well that just goes to show the author's skill. I'm really excited for part three.
I'll conclude by recommending this book to everyone if you love mythology retellings then this is surely for you.

[Siddhant Agarwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book takes on from where the first book ended, and this book explores the Pandavas journey of building up Indraprastha from scratch in a location deemed uninhabitable. Keeping the perspective of Draupadi continued in this book as well, Sonali presents the story of how the empire comes into existence and the hurdles they face while building it up. The book also explores Draupadi’s emotional upheaval as she gets to know of matrimonial alliances that take place, and especially Arjun’s marriages with Uloopi, Subhadra and Chitrangada. The story has been told in an engaging manner that keeps you hooked throughout the story. The age-old story has been written from Draupadi’s perspective in a beautiful manner that captures the essence of the epic in a fictionalized narrative. What worked for me was the detailed description that was made possible by the book’s focus on the building up of Indraprastha as a primary plot point. Sonali also highlights the various aspects of the personal and the professional when it comes to governance, and how, at times it becomes important to choose between the two. The book ends on an interesting note that closes the chapter of the building, yet keeps you curious as to what would happen next, how would it look from Draupadi’s perspective.

The primary character in this book is Draupadi and Sonali has crafted her character to perfection. There are multiple facets of her character that shine through via her interactions with the other characters in the book. Narrating the book through a single-perspective keeps the story flowing, while at the same time highlighting the emotions of the primary character. The other characters do make their mark in the plot, and I am looking forward to Prativindhya’s character development in the upcoming books as he did stand out for me in the book.

[Chinmayee Sahu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The detailed storytelling makes it an engaging read for the reader. The story is narrated by the main protagonist, Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas and hence it feels like seeing a new perspective of the very famous, Mahabharata which is the longest-written epic poem!

Draupadi's portrayal is so beautiful that I could actually visualize her emotions when she deals with immense hostility to set up a new empire at Khandavprastha with the five Pandava brothers. We all have heard stories from Mahabharata but welcome to a world where you see Draupadi in action mode where she sets examples for the women of her era; She is fearless when she asks uncomfortable questions to Krishna for not protecting the local inhabitants of new land, she does not think twice before questioning even her husbands where they go wrong, she sacrifices her personal desires to keep the unity of her family, the glimpses of her unconventional marriage and her bonding with her children makes it a compelling story. What I loved the most was the way her delicate relationship was described with the other wives of the Pandavas! Sonali has successfully weaved together multiple characters in her novel and yet managed to keep the spotlight on the protagonist, Draupadi who shines from start to finish. It is difficult to put the book down as the protagonist asks pertinent questions and makes the reader curious enough to turn to the next page. Apart from superb characterization, I applaud the focus that Sonali has given to the architectural description of the new empire and the Mayasabha in particular. The book ends with a very interesting plot and personally, I am looking forward to the release of the third book.

[Anshula Nema · Rating 5 out of 5]

Draupadi, Kalyani, Panchali, Krishnaa or the Empress of Indraprasth, who married the 5 Pandavs, this is HER story.

This is the second book from a 5 part series. It continues the story of Draupadi from the point where the Pandu brothers are given Khandvaprasth (named Indraprasth later) to build their empire on. It narrates the struggles of winning over the Naga and Kinnar clan along with how all of them - Pandu brothers and all their wives come together to play a variety of roles in building their empire. It also talks about the next generation of the Pandavs.

This book is not a retelling of Mahabharat but rather is the author's way of exploring the storyline and including as many instances as she could to bring it closer to the original storyline of Mahabharat, hence you will find several characters here which you might not see any other retelling or storyline of Mahabharat.

What I love about the author's way of writing and narration is that the characters in the book whether you have heard about them before or not - grow, the description of each scene written is elaborate and hence you can see them come to life in your mind like a reel playing, and lastly, the language used is appropriately complex at times and mostly simpler making it a quick and absolute page-turner.

My favourite instances in this book are from the scenes where the kids are involved, because each time they are running around, asking questions or throwing tantrums, I was able to grasp the exact essence of emotion from them as well as from the adult they were around with.

I read this book in a day and trust me when I say, it's a must-read.

[Shinde · Rating 5 out of 5]

: Mahabharat is timeless, oft churned and deeply ingrained within the Indian psyche. A retelling ignites interest only if it offers a fresh perspective/motive/analysis/angle.
A retelling by a female author, especially one from Draupadi’s viewpoint, faces an uphill task. She must walk Draupadi’s daunting tightrope – that of bestowing exclusive attention on every husband, and yet be scrupulously impartial to all. In addition, Duryodhan-Karn fans need to be mollified with kid gloves. Raje navigates this near impossible path with ease and aplomb.
Draupadi’s interaction with 4 husbands is tempered and balanced. It is with Arjun that verbal darts meet caustic barbs; where tempers and desires fly; making their bond raw and real. Revealing every Pandav’s personality via their palace designs is refreshing.
Draupadi’s views on spies, diplomatic marriages, and division of Hastinapur explores her grasp of politics. Her role as the caring Queen is etched vis-à-vis her scheme of babysitting corners for working women, discussions with tribals etc.
Nakul and Sahdev, largely ignored even by Vyas, finally get fleshed out personas, ample footage, and meaty dialogues. Other Pandav wives get to showcase their camaraderie. The Kuru-Pandav women seem overtly congenial to each other.
Karn’s failure at Drona’s guru dakshina and Arjun-Bheem’s battle with the failed suitors after Draupadi’s swayamvar is deleted. Overall, parts 1 and 2 explore unseen vistas, sidelined relationships, and veiled motives. Raje’s writing has a lilting fluidity and a crisp flair that lures the reader into devouring page after page. Fingers crossed for books 3 to 5.

[Kshitij Bajpai · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If there is one thing my entire family can't stand, it is someone disrespecting a woman."

Book - The Empress of Indraprastha: Building An Empire
Author - Sonali Raje
Pages - 216
Published - June 26 2023

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Draupadi, Panchaali, Kalyani, Krishnaa, she had many names. The Mahabharata is a well known epic. Draupadi, one of the most influential characters of the saga, is given a new chance to voice her journey, from being the one who emerged from the yagyaagni, to being the empress of Indraprastha, and later on Hastinapur.
The second book picks up the story right from the end of the first one, with the Pandavas leaving for Indraprastha. The characters grow as the book progresses. A lot of events had occured a lot sooner than expected, for example, Arjuna's exile for 12 years, but it all made sense once you come to realise that the book is not about the Pandavas, but Kalyani. The book discusses how she spent the 12 years Arjuna was in exile, how she reacted to the Pandavas marrying someone else and how she built Indraprastha into what it was. We see Kalyani take the reins of the empire and stand alongside the Pandavas, and also taking a stand of her own when it was necessary.
The writing is beautiful and the narration was crisp. The first person perspective narration for Kalyani was well done. The worldbuilding only deepened with Kalyani's children in the equation and the author splendidly juggled through it all.
The editing this time was better than the last time and made my experience with the book totally memorable.
A book that refers to the empress of Indraprastha with her preferred name Kalyani, Building an Empire is a must read for all.

[Shweta · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Empress of Indraprastha - Part 2: Building an Empire by Sonali Raje is a thought-provoking and engaging novel that breathes new life into the Mahabharata epic. For the fist time, through the lens of Draupadi, the complex and unique fabric of Pandava household is explored in this book.

While Draupadi is potrayed as multifaceted woman with ambition, intelligence, and a desire for justice, the book offers the dynamics of her relationship with her husbands, their other partners and the next generation of the family.

The narration of the story begins with famous Khandavaprastha episode. The struggle and challenges faced by Pandavas in establishing Indraprastha are widely known stories from the epic. However, author Sonali Raje shows here that how Draupadi and other women of Pandava household were not simply passive figures in this process, but actively engaged in the political and economic affairs of the kingdom.

Devika, Valandhara, Subhadra, Karunemati, Uttara and even Arjuna's other wives who never stepped into the Pandava household, Uloopi and Chitrangdha bring their unique strengths and stories to the forefront, contributing to the rich tapestry of the womanhood. Their individual struggles and triumphs highlight the diversity of experiences among the wives of the Pandavas, showcasing their resilience and agency.

Overall, Empress of Indraprastha is a well-written and compelling continuation of the series. It offers a fresh perspective on the Mahabharata. The book succeeds in bringing the women to the forefront and giving them agency and importance in the story.

[Myinstabookclub · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts exactly from the ending of its first part where Pandavas get Khandavprastha as part of their kingdom to rule. Khandavprastha is a hostile barren land which Draupadi describes in first chapter, “Cacti and thorny brambles covered the entire land. Trees were thick and bare, with no foliage. The only signs of life were scorpions and snakes”. The toil begins for Pandava to make this hostile land habitable which later become Indraprastha.

Arjun’s exile, Pandav marrying different queens, birth of children of Pandavas including Abhimanyu, killing of Jarasandha and shishupaal, entry of Subhadra and Mayasabha incident which shapes the story further are topics narrated by author in the storyline of this book. As the first one the writing in this book also is simple and detailed. Attention to details is something that will amaze you in this series. One thing we need to understand about the book and series is that it is Mahabharata told from Draupadi’s perspective so any scene where Draupadi is not physical present is not presented in detail (for example killing of Jarasandh). It is a beautiful work of fiction on a historical epic.

Thank you and good wishes to author Sonali Raje for this book and books coming in future in this series also kudos to the designer of the cover of this book. Thank you for sending a copy. Happy reading 📖

[Madhura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mahabharata is the magnum opus of ancient India. In the Mahabharata, we read about the sacrifice of Mahahamahima Bhishma, the teachings of Guru Drona, the adharma done by the Kauravas, the path of dharma followed by Pandavas, and the philosophy of Krishna. It is a brotherhood that fights to regain the respect of a woman. This is one of my favorite series because it has numerous characters and innumerable tales. But every time, I used to feel something was missing. The Empress of Indraprastha is a fanfiction, but this is the part I was missing.

This series is the tale of the sisterhood of the Pandava house. In the first book, the author introduced the readers to Draupadi and Devika. In this book, we get to know about the other wives of Pandu Putra and their individual excellence. The author has beautifully narrated this fiction, which makes it super interesting and fascinating compared to the known old tale of the Mahabharata. The bond between the wives of Pandavas is as strong as the bond between the brothers. The brothers were raised together, but these six sisters had nothing in common (like birth or upbringing), but the author has knot them together in a colorful garland. This is book two, but it looks like it’s only the beginning. Grab the book to enjoy the magic of ancient Indian sisterhood.

[Bindu · Rating 4 out of 5]

🅱🅾🅾🅺 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑬𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒉𝒂 - 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝟐: 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏 𝑬𝒎𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒆

🆀🅾🆃🅳#: Any book you bought based on the cover solely?

ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ: Sonali Raje
ꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛ: Paperback / Kindle
ᴘᴀɢᴇꜱ/ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀꜱ: 216
ᴘᴜʙʟɪꜱʜᴇʀ: Vishwakarma Publications
ɢᴇɴʀᴇ: Myths

Mahabharata, this is an epic which straight away transport me into my childhood and plug in all those memories, which made me nostalgic and ponder me through the learning and characters of this epic.

Although, there are already handful of retellings available out there by some favorite authors, it becomes difficult to bring a book on the same theme while not disturbing sentiments.

This is the second part of the series, and I liked more than the first part.

The author has did the commendable job while writing the book on the theme of this epic, while other retellings talk about the different perspectives through other characters, but the author has shared the story of other extended part of this epic from other wives, children and many other untouched/ untold aspects.

Loved the language in this book and the first person narrative make this an easy read. Am always a fan of the author word play.

I will recommend reading this if you are looking for fresh take on retellings with extended version!

4🌟

- #readwithbindu
- #reviewwithbindu
#bookwormbindz.

[Sarnali Ghosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Empress Of Indraprastha: Building An Empire" is a mythological fiction focused on one of the greatest epics of India, Mahabharata.
Mahabharata is also known as "the longest epic poem" and has been described as "the longest poem ever written": the greatest war between Kaurava and Pandava.

The story revolves around how Khandavaprastha rose into Indraprastha. This book takes us to the journey of Pandava and Draupadi's struggle towards building Indraprastha. It unfolds the ambitious and intellect Kalyani who is enlightened enough to plan the strategies and direct them skillfully to accomplish a dream. Also, we get to know how amiably she handled her polyamorous marriage led the whole family to achieve their goal.

It portrays a deeper understanding of Draupadi's relationship with each of her husband. I'm truly amazed by the fact that how each of Pandava's other wives played a significant role in their journey. Also, the adorable children of theirs added an unique meaningfulness to this novel.

The narration is lucid and easy to comprehend, hence it's apt for beginners. But make sure that you pick up its part 1 first which is "The Empress Of Indraprastha: Entering Kuruvansh". I'm quite eager to read the 3rd part!

[Shivani Brams · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Empress of Indraprastha: Building an Empire is a Sequel to The Empress of Indraprastha - Entering Kuruvansh" is a captivating journey into the untold tales of the Mahabharata.

We oftenly hear about the heroic deeds of the five Pandava brothers ignoring the great character like Draupadi in Mahabharata, this book brings to light the sisterhood among Pandava's wives, with a focus on Draupadi.

Sonali skillfully portrays Draupadi's multifaceted character. We witness her not just as a queen but as a shrewd financial strategist, working to revive the kingdom's economy. The book also delves into her moral dilemmas, such as seeking answers from her husbands about their actions in the Vaarnavat fire incident.

What sets this book apart is its exploration of Draupadi's relationships, especially with Arjuna and her sons. The narrative doesn't shy away from challenging moments in her marriage and her quest for answers from his brother Krishna.

Overall, "Empress of indraprastha" offers a fresh perspective on a well-known epic, making it a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of the Mahabharata's characters and their complexities, will love to read more sequel on this book.

[Atul Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙝𝙖 - 𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣 𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙮 𝙎𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞 𝙍𝙖𝙟𝙚

♀️ Recreation of the events that have already occurred in the past is not an easy job but Imagine the recreation of one of the Epic tales in the world with a Women's perspective ⁉️

♀️Seems impossible and at the same time fascinating. Though there are a handful of works available on the same concept of presenting the tale Mahabharata from a feminine perspective.

♀️ But I found, "Building an Empire" as one of the few which actually provides a immersive and thought provoking experience. This is the second book from the series, which entirely focuses on the childhood of the next generation of Pandavas and their upbringing, while a series of events occur simultaneously.

📌 Due to its first person narration and writing style, and women centric approach, reading the book feels like watching the epic tale through the glass of every individual, which gives a wide variety of possibilities and perspectives, and offers a gripping reading experience.

📌 For those who love reading book which offer new perspectives with the help of stories and bring out the values in a human logically and emotionally through providing various aspects and perspectives, this might be a good fit for your bookshelf.

[Verma Gaurav · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant sequel. Just great! Draupadi has been portrayed as someone with a brain, with stellar leadership qualities and as someone who actually does something for the people.
I loved how the author has managed to give meaty dialogues to all the characters. I had no idea of the other wives of the Pandavas. Their camaraderie has been portrayed beautifully. The UpaPandavas are also shown with such finesse. I loved their toddler talk, their games and their interactions with each other and their mothers. This book doesn’t just regurgitate old tropes. It combines various versions of the Mahabharat from different sources as the author has clearly mentioned in her preface and that just makes it a holistic story. The best part of the book in my opinion is how the author has made everything in the timeless epic perfectly relatable to current times. This is how fanfiction should be written. A big fan of this author and I can’t wait to read the rest of this series. Total paisa wasool.

[Anant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Empress of indraprastha book 2 Building an Empire
This wonderful book by Sonali ji is second in the series.
In this book the plot revolves around building a new empire of indraprastha. Also, the book very beautifully describes the marital life of Draupadi. Her relationship with all the five brothers, her reactions and relations with their other wives, the journey from a wife to mother of 5 children, all features have been very beautifully written.
Also description of her war trainings, account trainings, cookery trainings create a totally different persona of Draupadi in the reader's mind. The description of the preparations of the rajsooya yagya and all the strategies involved create interest while reading.
Finally to say, the book is a must read and the readers are eagerly waiting for the next read.

[Apexa Varu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been curious about the relationship dynamics between Draupadi and her five husbands. Fortunately, this book offers insight into their marital lives, highlighting the differences in each relationship. Additionally, it provides a notable insight into the relationships between the other wives of the Pandavas, both with each other, and with their husbands and Draupadi. (I know it’s fictional but I am still glad)

In conclusion, the biggest takeaway from this book (Mahabharata epic) is the importance of remaining calm when experiencing anger, as reacting impulsively can have detrimental effects. It is better to remain silent than to speak ill when angry.

4.5 stars ⭐️.