Subhadrā

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>This chapter examines the character of Subhadrā in the Mahābhārata, tracing her journey from her celebrated abduction by Arjuna to her nuanced role within the Pāṇḍava household. Through close analysis of epic and poetic sources, the chapter explores Subhadrā’s agency, her relationships with Arjuna and Draupadī, and her embodiment of gentleness and submission. The narrative situates Subhadrā within the broader context of kinship, marriage, and political alliance, highlighting her significance in the lineage of Abhimanyu and Parikṣit. The chapter also considers Subhadrā’s responses to loss, her maternal identity, and her enduring presence in the epic’s conclusion. By foregrounding themes of agency, kinship, and gender, the chapter offers a fresh perspective on Subhadrā’s role in epic tradition and the construction of womanhood in the Mahābhārata.</jats:p>