EPIC JUSTICE AND GENDER AMBIGUITY: THE SHIKHANDI PARADIGM IN THE MAHABHARATA

Abstract

The Mahabharata, with its vast stories and intricate moral complexities, continues to resonate with readers across ages and cultures. Among its most intriguing characters is Shikhandi,a figure whose journey through gender transformation and their pivotal role in Bhishma’s downfall deeply unsettles conventional ideas of gender and justice. This article examines how Shikhandi embodies a distinctive fusion of epic justice and gender fluidity, prompting us to reconsider the evolution of dharma in a world of shifting identities and social norms. By weaving together insights from ancient Sanskrit commentary, feminist interpretations, and modern queer theory, the study highlights Shikhandi’s central role in reshaping the Mahabharata’s moral landscape. Ultimately, it shows that Shikhandi is not just a character within the epic, but a powerful voice that both upholds and questions the workings of karma, while challenging long-held beliefs about gender in Indian tradition.