The Palace of Illusions-Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni:
chapters 1-7

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Chapter 1: The Fire

  • Panchaali's magical birth in fire
  • Given a magical saree that can never be torn
  • Married to the five Pandava brothers

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Chapter 2: The Gift

  • Given a boon by the gods
  • Can ask for anything she wants, but must be careful what she wishes for
  • Wishes for a husband who is brave, strong, and wise

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Chapter 3: The Marriage

  • Married to the Pandava brothers in a grand ceremony
  • Must learn to balance her love for her five husbands

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Chapter 4: The Palace

  • Lives in the palace of Hastinapura with her husbands
  • Treated like a queen, but is not happy
  • Longs for freedom and adventure

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Chapter 5: The Games

  • The Pandavas and Kauravas play a game of dice
  • The Pandavas lose the game and are exiled from Hastinapura
  • Panchaali is taken hostage by the Kauravas

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Chapter 6: The Forest

  • The Pandavas and Panchaali live in the forest for 13 years
  • Face many hardships, but also find happiness
  • Panchaali learns to be strong and independent

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Chapter 7: The Birth

  • Gives birth to a son, Parikshit
  • Overjoyed to be a mother
  • Knows that her son will one day avenge the death of his father