Power, Agency and Legacy: A Feminist Study of Satyavati in Kavita Kane’s Retelling of the Mahabharata in The Fisher Queen's Dynasty

Abstract

This present research paper delves into the character of Satyavati, a pivotal figure in the Indian epic the Mahabharata, through the study of Kavita Kane's The Fisher Queen's Dynasty. By uncovering the layers of her character, the present paper makes an attempt to re-visit the ancient Indian epic the Mahabharata with a contemporary feminist perspective.  The selected novel offers a nuanced portrayal of Satyavati, exemplifying her quest for identity within the patriarchal framework of the epic and projecting her as an ambitious and powerful woman. The paper strives to study the distinctive characteristics of feminism, as getting reflected through this deeply-rooted-in-our-tradition character Satyavati and contribute to the Indian flavour of the feminist movement.  The paper underscores the importance of re-evaluating mythological figures to reflect diverse viewpoints and promote a more inclusive historical discourse. Through this study, the paper awakens the readers and influences them to study the traditional narratives in modern contexts.