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Draupadi - India's First Daughter

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He slapped her hard on the face. It was more an open-handed smack from him that stung her like an electric shock. On her sensitive red cheeks was now a deep cut where his finger rings made of gold touched her. She could sense a warm stream of sweat running down her forehead and into her bare toes. She felt dizziness and ache in her head; it was not just physical but an intense sorrow crushing her from inside. Her body had become an object of desire for hundreds of lecherous men. She wished she could hide all her beauty somewhere so that she would never have to face any more such humiliations in her life.

She had been fighting battles since she was born; it was just the battlefields that kept changing periodically. But that moment, she strongly believed in avenging those lecherous men for the humiliation she was meted out. Did she ultimately emerge victorius? Read her inspiring journey.

183 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2020

116 people are currently reading
818 people want to read

About the author

Vamshi Krishna

18 books44 followers
Vamshi Krishna spends most of his time writing - code or stories. Currently living in Bengaluru, he says he is a software engineer by chance and a writer by choice. Apart from writing, he reads a lot about cricket, love, women, and failure stories. He is also a fitness enthusiast and a huge fan of MS Dhoni and Jeff Bezos.

Hailing from a small town in Telangana, he says his four-year journey at IIT-BHU is the best time of his life. He firmly believes that every student, for at least a couple of years in his early 20s, should experience hostel life. He loves to write honest and relatable fiction based on women's emotions. Before this, he authored a national bestseller 'Draupadi - India's First Daughter.' And, 'Zero Not Out' was his debut fiction novel, a love story inspired by his real-life incidents (and accidents).

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Sreehitha.
206 reviews
August 23, 2021
Genre:Mythology
Rating:5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

“She never apologized for being a strong woman.”


♒ My Thoughts

Mahabharat is an Indian Epic.
Draupadi is an integral part of it.
This book is beautiful. I am amazed. Vamshi Krishna wrote this book in such a graceful manner.
It is easy for a female author to emphasize on Draupadi's suffering. Usually male authors mess up such sensitive topics and do not do justice with the character but Vamshi Krishna's work is Awesome.

“Misconceptions, misinterpretations, insults, humiliations,
grief, miseries - she had been through all these to a vast extent all her life”


I think he actually gave life to her character. I am not religious and i do not read books on mahabharat and Ramayan. But this book caught my eye majorly for the beautiful cover.

We all grew up listening to excerpts from the mahabharat and draupadi having 5 husbands was a funny thing to hear while growing up. I Always thought that draupadi was a privileged wonen with wealth, luxuries etc etc.

But thid book gave me a brief insight of her suffering. From getting married to 5 brother to being molested in the court to being exiled and lusted by Keechaka and a few more incidents.
I think Draupadi is one of the most Strongest Female Mythology Character India has got.

“Revenge was not a desire for her; it was a need for her soul. Her pain was like an ulcer in her heart that could only be healed by a deadly weapon attached with a sharp iron point of revenge. ”


Draupadi devoted her life to the Pandavas. She was with them through the good days, bad days. And after all of it she was misunderstood, humilated, blamed.
Bheema was the only Husband of hers who actually deserved a woman like her.

We believe that men are strong,men protect women. We force women to marry in order to safeguard them.
I think all of it is absurd.
Draupadi had 5 husbands yet she was molested, insulted and humiliated again and again.
None of her husbands avenged her until she herself became the flame to ignite the Fire.

“She had been fighting battles since she was born; it was just the battlefields that kept changing periodically.”


Not only draupadi but every women in this tale has been subjected to oppression.
Kunti gave away her son, Gandhari never took her blindfold off all in the name of dharma.

Give this book a read it is short and very powerful 💕
Profile Image for Amrita Gupta.
1 review1 follower
April 14, 2021
So after a while I got to read a book as I was not working much and I completed today,so it feels good to share with you all.

My current read was Draupadi by Vamshi Krishna an Indian writer.
A short novel written on the course of how things unfold in Mahabharata. The larger part of the novel is destined to show draupadi's life post she got married to the Pandava brothers. And through Draupadi's eyes the tone is set to bring a limelight on why women should be treated in a disrespectful and lustful manner. There is no special ending to it. But the author's opinions on the middle of the chapters is what keeps you turning the pages.
One time read!
The book could have been more factual and more elaborate.
Profile Image for Savita Ramsumair.
660 reviews5 followers
December 13, 2021
Beautiful

It's very rare that a male author can capture the feelings of a female character like this author did in capturing Draupadi's feelings.
1 review
May 5, 2020
As stunning as the lead role 'Draupadi'

Let me start with the cover page.. its stunning . It have the power to catch one's eye.

About the author:
I appreciate the author's efforts of putting himself in her(Draupadi) shoe and experiencing all those emotions and turmoil then penning down all those experiences. Yess! He made all the readers to feel how Draupadi felt.

About Storyline.. 'Draupadi'
Her names alone sufficient to tell her story.
Call her 'Yagnaseni' or 'Drupadakanya' or 'Panchali' or 'Krishnaa' or 'Panchami' or 'Sairandhri', 'Nityayuvani', everyname has it's own story. Every incident that happened with her is an epic story that we herd from our childhood.
She is the one who showed 'how strong a woman will be if its needed'. Thanks to author for showcasing her heroic nature so well.

Overall, book was just awesome. And I really loved all those quotes(thoughts or messages) that appeared in between the story.
Profile Image for Pavireads.
388 reviews4 followers
October 26, 2021
We all have watched Mahabharata in television and heard the story from our elders. Draupadi married Pandavas and devoted her life for them. She was humiliated by many for having 5 husband's hitherto. She was with the Pandavas in good and bad days. She was molested in the court and exiled to forest and few other incidents which surged the kurukshetra war.

After reading dharma I completely fell in love with mythological fiction of DRUAPADI by VAMSHI KRISHNA. I devour it at one go.

Vamshi krishna gave life to her character. The author have beautifully intervened and exquisitely portrayed Draupadi character in her point of view. The characteristics portrayed in this book is must needed for the present woman. I appreciate the author and his efforts for choosing Draupadi character for his debut novel, whish is most misunderstood by many people. I am totally in love with Draupadi after reading this book and I wish to re watch Mahabharata series to discern in Draupadi 's point of view.


QUOTE

Revenge was not a desire for her; it was a need for her soul. Her pain was like a ulcer in heart that could only be healed by a deadly weapon attached with a sharp iron point of revenge.

She had been fighting battles
Since she was born; it was just the battlefields that kept changing periodically.


Take aways
There will be no krishna to save us it is we to take care of ourselves. Develope self-confidence and speak up for your rights. Women are not weaker sex. Fearlessly and determination confront anyone for the right cause.

‌Simple words used it would be easy for the beginners to devour it at one go. I felt it could have been more elaborate.
Overall it is a retelling of great epic in Draupadi's perspective. I would recommend if you like mythological fiction.
Expecting many works from the author vamshikrishna. Awaiting.

The book scores 4/5 for me🤗🤗.
Profile Image for Anshika Mishra.
253 reviews4 followers
November 8, 2021
We all have heard Mahabharata Stories Right? But The Mahabharata we heard was all about the great Male warriors, the Greatest battle for Dharma. What we didn't know was How females shaped the whole Battle, what role was there.

When I picked the book, it was random choice & I am glad I came across it because this book is really worth the read..

Who don't know "Draupdi"- wife of five Pandavas & the daughter of King Drupad. But What about her own identity? She was Born from Fire as a boon to King. She was blessed to be the reason of destruction of kaurvas.
Her life is perfect Example of hardships a Woman face in men superior Society! Making so many sacrifices for the sake of family, partner, society, her Dignity still all time we expect Women to compromise to situations even at the stake of her Respect and dignity. Her Beauty, her Physical Appearance becomes more as a Curse to her sometimes.....

Writer Vamsi Krishna has beautifully pen down the Conflicts going inside a woman, Her pain, her thoughts, her sensitivity, her fierceness. Choice of words, the way he explained it's totally mesmerizing. I never expected a male author to write so simply but amazingly about each emotion of Women.

One thing I am sure this is gonna be your total new experience, reading the Mahabharata from the view of Draupadi, and trust you won't be able to put book down once you start.Last but not least if you r a person in Mythology & curious about Ancient Indian culture, this one is for you....
Profile Image for Preiksha Sipani.
23 reviews
March 24, 2021
“If a man finds her beautiful, it’s her fault. If she exudes self-confidence in her life, it is her fault. If she fights for her dignity,it is her fault. If she craves the freedom of expression, it is her fault. What action of woman is not faulty?”

Draupadi is epitome of femininity and feminism.. she has five husbands, but none was able to protect her dignity. She was not just beautiful, she was strong & fierce. Dishonouring her led to the destruction of a whole clan. She took revenge from the ones who assaulted her.. she is a fire, and thus burnt the ones who disrespected her! 🔥

**Vamshi Krishna didn’t do justice with his debut novel. I don’t think he was able to pen it down on paper. This one was utterly a waste of time and I would recommend giving it a skip. If you want to read about Draupadi, go for “The Palace of Illusions” by Chitra Banerjee Divakar.
11 reviews
October 21, 2022
Draupadi - India's First Daughter,
A good book.
Draupadi's perspective, her feelings, her character is clearly mentioned and well narrated no doubt.
But if someone is reading to find out truths and exact facts of her then this won't be the best choice.
Relevant facts are not shared and should not be shared as in Mahabharat since its a book which talks only and only about the the emotions of a women towards the good/bad happening to her.
Ultimately, a wonderful book.
Profile Image for Sweta Mukherjee.
3 reviews
October 28, 2021
Book Review📘
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Book: Draupadi - India's First Daughter🌺
Author: Vamshi Krishna
Genre: Historical-fiction
Rating: 7/10
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🌟A HELPLESS AND LONELY WOMAN IS ALWAYS AN EVIL MAN’S FEAST.” 🌟
This is the first line of the book that lets out so many emotions and so many incidents that earns a reader’s enthusiasm. Draupadi had five husbands as written in her fate. Her character was extensively misunderstood and limited to just a woman who had an insatiable hunger for sex. But was that all there was about her? These words are very realistic because all we know is that she was portrayed as the cause of the war that happened due to greed for power & the game of dice.
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Synopsis🌟
The story is all about Draupadi. Her father, King Drupada arranges swayamwara for his daughter, where men from various kingdoms attend to win her and marry her. Arjuna wins the swayamwara, but his mother tells him that everything they get will be shared among their five brothers. Draupadi is married to five men. Since then she has had to face a lot of disasters in her life. She will become an object of desire for hundreds of lecherous men. Once, she was dragged into a hall by Dushasana when Pandavas failed in the dice game.
She had gone through so many humiliations in her life without her fault. Sometimes she even felt that she could hide her beauty somewhere so that she would never have to face any humiliations in her life. There are pounds of thoughts along with anger and sadness flooding in her mind to get an answer for what reason she was treated like that.
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Review🌟
This book is the treasure of women’s thoughts and feelings. Even though it has all happened in the past, and it is about a woman who went through a lot. But still, in the present situations, women are facing sexual abuse, treated as sex objects, don’t have any value for their work, and are not treated as we deserve. So, nothing has changed.
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What I liked🌟
I appreciate the author's efforts of putting himself in her(Draupadi) shoe and experiencing all those emotions and turmoil then penning down all those experiences. Yess! He made all the readers feel how Draupadi felt.
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The feminist standpoint of Draupadi was something Indian literature perpetually forfeited. Her thinkings and manifestations bestowed chills down my crest.
Unquestionably she is India's first daughter.
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Not to forget, the final chapters did wet my eyes
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for DarkAng3L.
254 reviews
February 22, 2022
Vamshi Krishna

Hat's off to the author, Vamshi who speaks up and gave a strong voice of feminism for woman. He has penned Draupadi's sturggle, emotions, and all her feelings and experiences in such a beautiful way that has indeed left me in awestruck.
This book is a page turner and I have never known Draupadi any better than this !

One of my fav parts that has been penned down in a most magical way was the conversation Draupadi had with her mother in law, Kunti who has treated her nothing less than a daughter.

Kunti, "Who judges what is right or what is wrong, Draupadi? Why cannot we women have multiple sex partners? Who decided that? Do you think such a rule was prevalent in ancient times? NO. Women formely were not confined to their husbands for physical intimacy. Women those days used to get intimate with any number of men as they wanted to. They did not have to be faithful to their husbands, and it was not considered to be a sin those days. This practise is followed even today by birds and a few sacred animals like cows, but possessiveness is seldom found among them. This has been the tradition of archaism approved by our sages and the present came into existence lately.

If it was not for Shwetaketu who had laid down the law of absolute and exclusive fidelity between husband and wife, today's women would be free to go to any man who they are pleased with, and we would not have to face insults from the society."


"Society will not try to understand the situations we were put in before jumping to any conclusions."

This is just one of it and there are many other inspiring thoughts that left me pondering and this books instantly became one of my personal favs. Vamshi has wrote magically and I really hope to see more of his work in near future !
Profile Image for Dr Architha.
153 reviews6 followers
September 18, 2020
"Every step we take in life might not lead us to our destination. But every destination we reach will have a few steps associated with it" - Vamshi Krishna

Rape, assault, molestation, catcalls. These are terms that have been often used and heard in the news or in casual talks. Is it because they have increased in present times, or because they've been brought to light only now? I strongly agree that it's the latter reason. Crimes against women have been normalized to such an extent that not a day goes by when we don't hear about it. Not a day goes by when a woman fears being sexualized: that's where society has failed.

'Draupadi - India's first daughter' tells us the story of the queen of Hastinapura from her perspective. How she was always seen as the problem for men being sexually attracted to her, which is still prevalent even after an entire yuga. Gone are the days when women were seen as goddesses and respected. The book talks about how Draupadi was an important factor for triggering the famous Mahabharata war, because of the humiliation she faced and her husbands' failure in protecting her. In many ways the book stimulates a feeling of rage and anger to a rational mind (if it doesn't, then I'm sorry, you're a misogynist).

I felt the book went on only one path of only how male predators harmed and insulted Draupadi. I expected the book to talk more about the bravery and strong-headedness of Draupadi, about her relationship with Abhimanyu (who was not even mentioned) and about how she was the ideal queen of Indraprastha. It was a summary of Mahabharata rushed up so fast that one cannot peer into the details. But on the whole the book was a perfect reminder of what women have been going through for the past couple millennia.

A must read for everyone!
Profile Image for Sangamitha.
11 reviews3 followers
May 16, 2021
🚫DISAPPOINTED READ🚫
DRAUPADI by Vamshi Krishna.

I'm just disappointed by this book.I thought the book would tell about the untold feelings of Draupadi.But what I expected was totally proven wrong by the author.He just written the same things that have been telecasted in Mahabharata series in Star Television.

He just wrote the story of Draupadi which this world already knows.Its better if you read tales of Mahabharata or even watch the series in television.Waste of time reading this book because it will never let you deeply understand Draupadi.Nothing was written in that sort.

If you aren't aware who Draupadi is or if you have not known Mahabharata,then this book might favour you.But for me its just a waste of time as I know the story already.I don't want to read that again.I wanted more of her feelings but this book isn't a right choice for those who seek such stuffs.

There are some quotes there in the book which I cherished.I am happy that atleast he presented something new in this book.Overall I felt disappointed. If you're a kind of me having different taste for books try something better.

I am fooled by the Book cover!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2 reviews
May 24, 2020
Very much consise

The book is just like an overview of Draupadi's life which may have been written to engage those who are curious about this phenomenal character.
Unfortunately, doesn't do any justice to Draupadi's life. Of course some portions of the book are good and according to the history, it doesn't love up well to the expectations one would have from a book written in Draupadi. But in less than 150 pages, you can't expect a good depication of the character of this stature and vibrancy.
If you want to actually read about Draupadi, I'll recommend the famous 'Palace of Illusions'.
Jai Shri Krishna!!
Profile Image for Prerna Goswami.
2 reviews
January 23, 2024
Draupadi…. Whenever I hear this name, I wonder how strong this woman would have been in handling what happened to her. I wondered where this strength comes from and have always wanted to know her side of the story.


The Book Draupadi by Vamshi Krishna is well-written. It tells the story of Mahabharat from Draupadi’s point of view and gives a glimpse of her previous birth. I liked that the author didn’t exaggerate the story unnecessarily. He kept it precise.


The only part I didn’t like much, and I think the story could have been different and better, was the previous birth story of Draupadi. Otherwise, the book is a good version of Mahabharat. 
1 review1 follower
May 2, 2020
Fuck marriage ! Fuck dharma ! Fuck the goddamn society !

Okay look this book has a raged a fire in me. Period. To live and die for the ones you love doesn't seem to be "dharma" and if it was a fair game on earth its pretty clear who would have won. Draupadi's life, from what I gather was nothing but a complete and utter tragedy.
Even the men to whom she had devoted herself and loved to the brim through her entire life didn't spare a single glance at her while she fell on her death bed. Pathetic!
Profile Image for Abhishek Goyal.
12 reviews
December 27, 2020
The plot to explore Mahabharata through Draupadi's character is a very interesting one and highly enlightening one. But there are many stark inaccuracies of the main plot line from the actual Mahabharata. Also the study of the character could have been much more deep especially in the wedding part, disrobing saga and the end of war. Also this was a book I had to drag myself through, not a book i was intrigued to read further . This might be due to the fact that I have grown watching and reading about the Mahabharata epic too much but still the book lacked the emotional appeal as a reader.
Author 1 book2 followers
July 28, 2021
A huge appreciation to the author Mr. Vamshi Krishna for portraying Draupadi as pure as she was...
I'm totally in love with her after reading the book. What wonders me most is, even a Woman cannot understand another woman so accurately and in depth, but the author has stepped into her shoes...

A brave woman was often accused of Polyandry, but stepping into her shoes makes one non-judgmental as it was done in order to protect Kshatriya Dharma...

An absolute invigorating book indeed....
Kudos to the Author...
Profile Image for Pooja.
6 reviews3 followers
January 20, 2023
Draupadi - India's First daughter.Its a fantastic book. I always adore Draupadi. I was literally drowning in it. The book took me into a different world. While reading the book I felt like
all the scenes were walking in front of the eye. The way author described the feeling of a Draupadi(women) about her love,lust, anger, responsibility towards her family, kindness everything touched my heart.I really regret that not reading this before. But better late than never.😃😃Really This is one of the best books i have read.
1 review
March 15, 2023
Amazing book. Author Vamsi Krishna has written it in very easy to understand language.
This book narrates The Story of Mahabharata in Draupadi's Perspective. Very Well narrated.

Beautiful, Strong, Powerful, Brave and Courageous - Draupadi has it all.
One of the Toughest Women's in Indian History. A must read book for everyone.
Author Vamsi Krishna has nailed the narration.

I have read and gifted this book to my 12yr old niece. She got hooked to the book.
We absolutely loved the narration, also Very good read for all first timer readers of Mahabharata.
7 reviews
April 26, 2020
Even though they are many books in the markets, this is quite a different one. Author's intervention is the best part which allows to know actual incidents without taking sides. Author made a quiet an effort to relate them to current issues. Author has showed Draupadi as warrior and strong woman, the characteristics most needed for present women around the world. I should say he did an adventure by picking up character who was most misunderstood. It's worth a read
3 reviews
September 3, 2020
Draupadi is a truly inspiring story especially for women who keep quite just for the sake of the so called indian culture to keep the reputation of their in-laws good. It is a book from Draupadi's view of Mahabharata. It's a real feminist book and one would surely love it. I loved the story of Mahabharata, and after reading this book, I have developed self confidence within myself and I would surely recommend this to everyone out there. Worth reading.
Profile Image for Saloni Gupta.
276 reviews8 followers
September 14, 2020
I understand it is difficult to write about such a character like Draupadi but still the book has so many negative points. There were so many blunders to start with (there was a sequence where Dhritrashtra was talking to Duryodhan and after the first page of conversation suddenly Duryodhan becomes Yudhisthir 🙄) honestly I was sooo excited to read this book but all of my excitement vanished just after i finish reading first 4-5 chapters.
Profile Image for Anjali Bala.
142 reviews1 follower
December 24, 2021
Keeping it simple and straight, this book is a must-go. Being a woman or man understanding the value of humans is what this tale brings out. We all know who is Draupadi, but do we know how's it to be at her place. Do we ever give it a thought of what she was been through? If not. Read it. Circle the book to your kids, family and friends. Make them understand the pure refinement of a woman.
Believe me, you'll not regret it.
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 reviews
February 5, 2022
This book by Vamshi Krishna doesn't do justice neither to the character of Draupadi nor the story. I have read Jaya by Devdutt Patnaik and The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Bannerjee and honestly this one appears to be a child's play in front of both. The book doesn't explain the story to the viewers nor the story from Draupadi's perspective. Anyone willing to read about Mahabharata should read the above two. This one by Vamshi Krishna would really be a waste of time.
4 reviews
May 8, 2022
Best book...like seriously best...you cannot stop yourself from turning pages...it's a beautiful story and a new way to look at Mahabharata from the Draupadi point of view...moat strongest women in history of Mahabharata and you'll learn many things...just go for it if you love to read mythology.... it's a must read for mythological readers like me!❤️ The plot is amazing and krishna had pen down the things most beautifully ❤️ I loved the book!❤️
1 review
June 23, 2021
Great contemporary adaption

Even though everyone knew Mahabharata, I always felt that sacrifices of women and their inner feelings have been ignored by every author over the ages. This book not only touches those, but also emphasises that the status of a woman in society's eyes has not changed over the time. Book worth reading
7 reviews
July 27, 2024
The book is about how things went in the Mahabharata from the perspective of Draupadi. I felt the book superficial. It could have been much more elaborated. The views of the author between pages is to look forward to.
It is written in the simplest words. Overall, it's a good one if someone is looking to pick up reading habit.
Profile Image for Ramit Mittal.
10 reviews
September 6, 2020
Nice perspective of Mahabharata

dropati is one of the character that intrigues me a lot so therefore the way the stories written is really unique and makes me want to read even more and more while going through it. Go for it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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