Reclaiming Agency: Women’s Narratives in Karna’s Wife

Abstract

Kavita Kane is an Indian author known for her feminist retellings of Hindu mythology. A former journalist, she gained recognition with her debut novel, Karna’s Wife: The Outcast’s Queen. This paper entitled Reclaiming Agency: Women’s Narratives in Karna’s Wife explores the theme of female agency in Karna’s Wife: The Outcast’s Queen. The  novel reimagines the Mahabharata through the perspective of Uruvi, Karna’s wife. By shifting the focus from the dominant male narratives of the epic, the novel offers a nuanced portrayal of Uruvi as an assertive and independent woman who challenges societal norms while navigating love, loyalty, and personal convictions. Drawing from feminist literary criticism, this study examines how Uruvi’s voice reclaims agency within a patriarchal framework, redefining her role beyond that of a silent consort. It further investigates how her choices, dialogues, and resistance to traditional constraints contribute to a broader discourse on women's empowerment in mythological retellings. In doing so, the paper highlights the significance of reinterpreting classical texts through contemporary feminist lenses to uncover marginalized voices and reframe historical narratives.