#chitrangada

[sarsariya]

CHITRANGADA SINGH

[sambhavami]

Women in Mahabharata - Chitrangada

She is the daughter of Chitravaahana, the King of Manipur which is but a little kingdom hidden away in the hills of the Mahendra range [Manikapatna, Odisha].

The way how she meets Arjuna has been dramatised by several poets in the modern times. Most notably, her story has been immortalized in the play 'Chitrangada' by Rabindranath Tagore.

His version, at its time, went a long way to improve the acceptance of the trans community within at least the upper-class Bengali society, where at the core of the play we have our heroine, that grew up as a man, finally realizing that she is a woman ["Bodhu kon aalo laaglo chokhe"]. This play was adapted into a film, with the same name, in a modern setting by Rituparno Ghosh, as an exploration of his own identity.

This play also carried the early feminist movement in Bengal: "Aami Chitrangada, raajendra-nondini. nohi debi, nohi shaamaanya naari". This play is also one of the primary reasons why most of her modern depictions are that of a 'warrior-princess'. Not that I don't like it, but it is a relatively newer concept.

Mahabharata does not subscribe to the above image. Here, Arjuna wanders into Manipur alone, having laid off most of his support, and is enamoured by the fact that women in this kingdom are allowed to roam the streets without male guardians. He has seen many strong women- his mother, his wife, many others behind the scenes as well I imagine, but he has never seen casual equality on the street. Hence, this simultaneously confuses and impresses him.

Here, he sees Chitrangada and follows her home after confirming her identity from the locals. He is very taken by her beauty and confidence, and approaches her father for her hand in marriage. He uses Uloopi's arguments made in his favour to gather the courage to court Chitrangada.

Chitravaahana is impressed to know that the Pandava Arjuna is interested in his daughter, but he places a condition. He recounts how one his ancestors, the king Prabhanjana, had obtained a boon from Shiva that their family henceforth will continue to have a single male child in every generation. He then reveals that his daughter Chitrangada had broken that streak, and the king hadn't had any other children.

Hence, he had raised her with the same care as a son, and "Putrika-hetu-vidhina sangy-ita Bharata-rshabha" [I considered her a putrika, O bull of the Bharatas]. Here, putrika simply signifies a daughter whose sons are adopted into her father's family and accepted as the heirs to that property. Chitravaahana has legalized this through a yajna, and for all legal purposes, Chitrangada is considered his son [it means that though she cannot own any property, the line of inheritance still flows through her, barring her from ever relocating to her potential husband's place].

Hence, Chitravaahana warns Arjuna, that even after marriage, he wouldn't be allowed to take either Chitrangada or her children out of Manipur, and that those children will be heirs to his kingdom and will legally have nothing to do with the Pandavas [i.e. the custody of all children will remain solely with Chitrangada, and Arjuna will not be allowed to even legally call them as his; he can only visit them here from time to time, not that Arjuna ever does, but still].

This arrangement suits Arjuna anyway since he is not much of a family man to begin with, and hence they get married. Interestingly, unlike with Uloopi, Arjuna hangs back in Manipur with Chitrangada for three whole years, and only remembers his 'vana-vasa' once she is expecting. This is when he leaves, but returns to Manipur in only a year, to see his newborn son- Babhruvahana [the one with a copper-ish complexion].

He hands his son to his father-in-law and leaves, "Here's your asked price for Chitrangada, now bye!" Before leaving, he only casually asks her to visit Indraprastha once with her son to meet his mother and brothers [interestingly, not Draupadi], but only when the rajasuya happens and they formally invite her father. She never bothers.

From some of his other words we understand that he never officially counted either Ghatotkacha or Iravana, as Arjuna declares that Babhruvahana is biologically [not legally] the Pandavas' first son, and his heart outside his body.

Sometime after this, Uloopi gets in touch with her and moves closer to Manipur so they can raise both their sons together in their father's absence. We see that over time, Uloopi comes to gain the same authority over Babhruvahana as Draupadi has over Abhimanyu.

In Kurukshetra, we see that even if Uloopi sends Iravana, Chitrangada keeps Babhruvahana at home, mostly out of the logic that he has nothing to do with that family legally, and hence is in no way obligated to endanger either himself or his army for a faraway conflict.

Later when Arjuna comes to conquer Manipur, as part of Yudhishthira's ashvamedha, Babhruvahana goes to receive him with hunility and gifts. This however, irritates Arjuna, and he asks his son to fight instead of humiliating him by submitting thus. His father serenades him with beautiful words like "stree-vat", "nara-adhama", and "I am not your father".

It seems like he is taking out his still-overwhelming grief over losing Abhimanyu, and his irritation at Chitrangada for not sending him to Kurukshetra on his last remaining son.

Angered by Arjuna's behaviour, Uloopi comes out to the battlefield, and orders Babhruvahana to fight his father (he needed an attitude check in any case).

Babhruvahana too, pretty hurt by his stranger-father's sudden harsh words, fights his heart out, and ends up nearly killing him.

Hearing this, Chitrangada rushes out to the field, screaming at Uloopi for 'murdering her own husband' and trying to 'bag a new husband', while Uloopi takes it silently. Chitrangada falls on a passed-out Arjuna's chest and begs Uloopi to heal him. Uloopi does so, after Chitrangada and Babhruvahana both threaten to kill themselves (she was just avenging all four of them for the abandonment).

Waking up, Arjuna becomes confused as he is unable to immediately recollect how and why he and Uloopi both ended up in Manipur. He even accuses Uloopi of trying to assassinate 'his wife and children' in Manipur. Babhruvahana now recollects his anger and tells his father to just ask Uloopi for clarification first.

Once Arjuna recovers enough, his son asks him to spend some time with his wives before returning as compensation for all these years. Arjuna declines but cordially invites all of them to visit Hastinapura during the yajna.

During the yajna, we see Babhruvahana escort both his mothers and then go to Kunti. An old Kunti is beyond overjoyed to meet him, since he is one of the few of her grandchildren who survived. She breaks down in tears holding him.

Out of gratitude (and guilt), Kunti immediately orders Draupadi and Subhadra to arrange new palaces for both of her newfound daughters-in-law, and requests them to stay back, since Uloopi has no one to go back, and Chitrangada's son is now well-established. Later, in fact, we see both of these two women hand-in-hand with Draupadi and Subhadra in taking care of old Dhritarashtra and Gandhari.

Here, Vyasa makes a rather dark observation. He notes that both Uloopi and Chintrangada are far more beautiful that Draupadi at this stage of their lives. This is because neither of them have faced the sheer physical ordeals that has rewarded Draupadi with a more haggard appearance, and they both still look much younger than they are.

After the Pandavas leave for the Himalayas, Chitrangada returns to her son in Manipur to live out the rest of her life.

[zeherili-ankhein]

Chintrangada and Arjun flipping the norm by the dude being the archer (hence usually long-range) and the girl becoming the brute-force warrior (i forgot if she was a swordswoman or a macer)

Wait I also forgot ToT

I think she did swordfighting?

But YESSS THEY ARE ALWAYS FLIPPING THE NORM 🗿💅✨

Cuz they are both so chad 🗿💅✨

(GAHSSHDH I LOV THEM SO MUCH 🥹)

[blue-lotus333]

How I imagine Arjun’s wives to look like.

Draupadi, The Fiery Princess of Panchala.

Uloopi, Nagi of vehemence.

Chitrangada, Warrior princess of Manipur.

(+ muscles)

Subhadra, Goddess of holiness.

(More tanner skin, + wears pastel clothes)

[asambhavami]

Listen here: (x)

poet: rabindranath tagore (chitrangada - the dance drama)

raga: sahana

picture: mahua ray choudhury (dadar kirti)

Aami Chitraangawda, aami raajendro-nondini.

I am Chitrangada, daughter of the mighty king.

Nohi debi, nohi shaamaanna naari.

Not a goddess, not an ordinary woman.

Pooja kori more raakhibe oordhe

[That you will] Worship me, and keep me up on a pedestal

She nohi nohi,

That I am not, I'm not.

Hela kori more raakhibe pichhe

Neglecting me, you will leave me behind

Se nohi nohi.

That I am not, I'm not.

Jodi paarshe raakho more

If you keep me by your side

Shawnkawte shawmpawde,

In trouble in wealth (success),

Shawmmoti daao jodi kothin brawte

If you permit in the difficult task(s) ahead

Shawhaay hote,

To be your helper,

Paabe tawbe tumi chinite morey.

Only then will you get to truly know who I am.

Aaj shudhu kori nibedawn -

Today, only this I present unto you -

Aami Chitraangawda raajendro-nondini.

I am Chitrangada, daughter of the mighty king.

[h0bg0blin-meat]

You sent Chitrangada a letter.

What the fuck did you send her 🤨

[yumjum414]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Swept Away ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Arjun and Chitrangada story)

Disclaimer: This is a work of PURE FICTION. None of it has happened in the real epic. Also, THIS IS A WARNING- MATURE CONTENT EXPLICT SCENES AHEAD. Although it's my first time writing such a spicy story, I've tried my best to keep it subtle and... Idk, please let me know if it doesn't make sense. I think I'll stick to the comical stuff after this.

I really wanted soft boi Arjun with the ever commanding Chitrangada. I also need more Chitrangada stories, please recommend me some if there are any good ones. The portrayal of Chitrangada was inspired by a chapter from @desigurlie's lost moment- Upturned fates. Her work has always fueled my obsession✨

Again, WARNING- ⚠️⚠️⚠️MATURE CONTENT AHEAD⚠️⚠️⚠️-

He had commanded legions.

His name echoed across Aryavarta like a hymn of war and wonder.

He had crossed untamed lands, brought kings to their knees, and claimed victories that echoed through the ages.

Yet now, the very same man lay on silk, wrists loosely bound above his head: not by force, but by choice, his own choice.

His skin glistened, flushed, marked by her full mouth and her hands. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and sandalwood, and the only sound was his breath: ragged, hungry, waiting.

 It almost seemed like he was the inexperienced one.

Chitrangada stood at the edge of the bed, watching him like a predator watches its prize- not with cruelty, but with absolute control. Every part of her radiated authority. From the tilt of her chin to the slow, deliberate way she approached him; like she owned every inch of the room.

Every inch of him.

“Tell me what you want,” she said, voice low.

Arjun, turned to look at his lioness. Her skin, sun-kissed and battle-tested, glistened with sweat and shone rich bronze. Her strong arms, Oh how strong yet small against his own hands.

Her eyes, gods her eyes: dark as storm clouds, shaped like almonds. They held the clarity of someone who had seen both battlefield and betrayal, saw straight through armor and ego alike.

Her hair, long and raven-dark, was usually tied back, but when loosened, it fell like a warrior’s banner. Her very being the embodiment of power- grace woven into every stride, commanding in stillness, and utterly unafraid.

He smiled- not cocky, but soft, reverent. “You. However you want me, my queen.”

“Mine,” she said against his skin.

“Yes,” he breathed, arching into her. “Always.”

When her nails scraped down his arms and left blooming marks of possession, he gasped her name like prayer. Then, blinking up at her with those maddeningly amber eyes, he gave a crooked grin. "Should I be worried you’re branding me now, Rajkumari?"

Chitrangada arched an eyebrow, lips curving into something dangerously amused, "You're lucky I’m not carving my name into your chest."

Arjuna chuckled breathlessly, still pinned beneath her. "At least make the script neat. I have appearances to keep."

She didn’t move gently, she moved like a storm claiming the sea, fierce and beautiful, unstoppable. And Arjuna- her husband met her every motion with soft cries, body shaking beneath the woman who refused to let him disappear behind titles or legend

She crawled over him like a flame licking up dry wood, and he shuddered when her fingers traced the lines of his chest.

“You’re not afraid to give me control?” she asked, though she already knew the answer.

Arjuna met her eyes with that infuriating, intoxicating calm. “Chitra, my dearest, I’ve held the weight of kingdoms on my shoulders. But nothing feels heavier than your gaze when you choose me. I’d give you everything.”

He wasn’t afraid of surrendering to her: he thought of it as an honor.

She leaned down and bit gently at his lower lip, just enough to make him groan. “You’ll regret that.”

He chuckled, then gasped as her hands claimed him again. “Only if you stop.”

Then, she kissed him like war, like conquest, like she was here to take everything and leave him grateful.

Arjuna gasped against her lips as she pushed him down again: one hand against his chest, the other sliding his arms up above his head with purpose. Her thighs straddled his hips, bare and strong, the weight of her both grounding and dizzying.

“Chitra…” he breathed, but the rest of her name broke into a moan as her mouth moved to his throat.

Gods.

He had faced demons, kings, god- and yet nothing had ever left him so undone as this woman untying the knot at his waist with maddening ease.

She wasn’t gentle tonight. She was hungry.

Her husband- wielder of Gandiva, breaker of sieges- offered himself up without resistance. Not because he was weak, but because she was strong. And nothing aroused him more than watching her own it.

Her dark, obsidian hair, that had unfurled like a waterfall, created a curtain to cover their kisses and the slap of skin against skin.

“Keep your hands where they are,” she whispered. His muscles flexed with the effort not to move. He could easily take control. Flip her beneath him. Take the reins. But he didn’t want to, gods he didn’t.

He wanted her to have him.

She moved like a queen claiming what was hers, every roll of her hips purposeful, every sound she dragged from his throat another trophy. And he gave them willingly. He gave her everything.

Arjuna’s breath caught as her nails scraped down his chest. His eyes fluttered open just enough to see her above him- glowing in the lamplight, body curved in power, eyes consuming him.

“Look at you,” she whispered. “So beautiful like this. My prince. Mine.”

He couldn’t speak; his throat was a tangle of devotion and desperation. He only nodded, eyes glassy with pleasure, hands still bound above him.

She rode him like she knew the rhythm of his soul. When release came, it shattered him. Not violently- but reverently.

Like the sky cracking open to reveal light.

He collapsed beneath her, body trembling, mind blank, lips parted. When she finally untied his wrists, kissing them gently, he wrapped his arms around her and held her like she was the only anchor left in the world.

"Tell me, Arjuna," she said, her voice low and teasing, her eyes gleaming with amusement, "do you always let yourself be so... swept away? Or is it just when I’m the one leading you?"

Arjuna, still catching his breath, let out a soft chuckle, his head lolling slightly as he gazed up at her with a mix of exhaustion and admiration. His skin was flushed, and the faint traces of a smile played on his lips as he tried to find the energy to respond.

"Well," he said, voice raspy, yet playful, "I must admit... you’ve certainly got a way of leading me." His amber eyes twinkled as he lifted his hand lazily, brushing a lock of her hair from her face. "Though, if I’m being honest, I don’t need much convincing. I’m easily swept away, especially when I’m in such... good company."

Chitrangada raised an eyebrow, her smirk only growing as she leaned in closer. "Easily swept away, you say? I suppose that makes my job easier then."

Arjuna rolled his eyes dramatically, his tiredness catching up with him in waves, but the charm in his words never faltered. "Well, if this is what ‘swept away’ feels like, I think I could get used to it. Though I might need a bit more rest before I can do it all over again."

Chitrangada laughed softly, her gaze softening as she admired him. "Don’t worry, my hero," she teased, her hand resting against his chest. "You’ve earned your rest."

Arjuna sighed dramatically, letting his head fall back against the pillows, his exhaustion finally catching up to him. "I think I’ve earned everything," he muttered playfully, closing his eyes for a moment. "But I suppose... I could let you lead me again when I’m feeling up to it."

Chitrangada smiled at his words, leaning down to kiss his forehead, the soft affection in her gesture contrasting with the earlier fire. "Rest now, my prince. I’ll let you get back to your charming self... for now."

[musingsonthemahabharata]

Arjuna's consorts!