Devayānī and Śarmistā

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>This chapter examines the complex narratives of Devayānī and Śarmiṣṭhā, tracing their rivalry, agency, and intertwined destinies in the Mahābhārata. It explores how issues of caste, gender, and marriage shape their relationships with each other and with King Yayāti, illuminating the negotiation of power, identity, and social mobility in mythic tradition. The analysis foregrounds the agency of both women as they navigate love, rivalry, and the constraints of caste, ultimately influencing the lineage of the Puru dynasty. By situating their stories within broader discourses on gender, rivalry, and social hierarchy, the chapter reveals how Devayānī and Śarmiṣṭhā’s experiences reflect and challenge prevailing norms of marriage, caste, and female autonomy in epic literature.</jats:p>