The Palace of Illusions

Panchaali sits under a tree reading the nyaya shastra, or the “laws of the land,” a book she got from Dhri (53). Dhai Ma informs her that she must get married the following month. King Drupad has arranged a swayamvar, a contest in which men will vie for Panchaali’s hand in marriage. Instead of being able to choose her husband, Panchaali must abide by the result of the skill test. To pass, a warrior must “pierce a fish made of metal, revolving high on the ceiling of the wedding hall” (56). However, he can only look at the reflection of the fish in a pool of water and must shoot Kindhara, the heaviest bow, through holes in a shield.

Krishna says that Arjun will be able to pass the test. Panchaali realizes that Drupad set up the test because he knew that only Arjun could pass it. If Arjun marries Panchaali, he can no longer be loyal to Drona, Drupad’s enemy.

A sorceress arrives at the palace, saying to Panchaali, “I’ve been sent […] to fill some of the bigger gaps in your useless education” (60). She does not reveal who sent her or how she came to be there.