Reading Notes: Tiny Tales for Mahabharata Part C

Draupadi and the Pandavas (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

These stories show that some things still haven't changed in real life. For example, after several threats and warnings from Draupadi, Kichaka does not want to hear anything and continues to make advances to Draupadi. Draupadi ends up saying that she is in a relationship and that he should stop. Kichaka cannot take "no" for an answer, something many men do. Women often have to use the "I'm in a relationship" argument after repeatedly saying they are not interested. This story between Kichaka and Draupadi underscores that this kind of advance and forcefulness towards women has existed since the dawn of time. While women do not have special helpers, the Mahabharata women can call upon the gods for protection or other divinities: Bhima comes to his wife's rescue. These stories also underline the fact that her husbands, men, can only save Draupadi. Perhaps it is interesting to write that she is the one who kills Kichaka. Put her in a concept like Charlie's Angels or a vigilante who "denounces" injustices done to women or a hired killer. 

Moreover, I have noticed that conflicts are always resolved through war. It's as if men want to confirm and show their masculinity by force. Fights that result in victims; most of the time, people who have not asked for it. It reminds me of the Marvel movies where, unfortunately, the fighting results in many civilians' death. 

What could be fun would be to write a story where these conflicts are solved by the game of rock, paper, and scissors. Or simply through a discussion.

Bibliography: Tiny Tales from the Mahabharata by Laura Gibbs