Popular culture shows Queen Panchali passively resisting, clinging to her clothes, as Dushasana rips them off in open court.

Really?

In her situation, what would you do?

Yes, that's what Alagan portrays in his novel.

How did Duryodhana defend this heinous deed--outraging the queen's modesty?

Hear his words; they might move you. After all, the queen had married all five of the Pandava brothers and they took turns spending time with her; and this was during an age when a woman's modesty and chastity were of paramount value.

Karna, the bosom friend of Duryodhana and anti-hero whom many of you empathize with and many women all over the world swoon over even to this day, was present during the disrobing.

What did Karna have to say?

Hear his words. See if you can find fault with him.

Alagan renders myths and legends into believable history because recent discoveries arguably prove that Mahabharata is based on true events. The plausible plots, enigmatic characters, and realistic dialogue in his novel will leave you wondering where fiction stops and antiquity starts.

Enjoy Panchali floor Dushasana; listen to Duryodhana justify the outrage; and see if you still love and respect Karna.

Mahabharata (trilogy)

The Beginning (Book 1)

Dice Game & Exile (Book 2)

Kurukshetra War (Book 3)