Draupadi Vastraharan

DRAUPADI VASTRAHARAN OR THE DISROBING OF DRAUPADI: Darupadi was the wife of the five Pandavas. She was also called Panchali. Once Duryodhana challenged Dharmaputra to a game of dice and Dharmaputra lost. Finally in a state of utter desperation, he pledged Draupadi and lost her as well. Duryodhana sent for Draupadi and summoned her to the court of the Kauravas and the haughty Dussasana began disrobing Draupadi despite her fervent pleas for mercy.

Draupadi, in her helpless state implored upon the divine and a miracle occurred. As the disrobing proceeded, fresh clothes appeared until Dussasana retired from exhaustion.

This print by the Ravi Varma Press derived from a painting by Raja Ravi Varma depicts the shameful act of the Disrobing of Draupadi. Draupadi is seen in the foreground seeking mercy as the haughty Dussasana mercilessly disrobes her.