Chitrangada

Chitrangada is a significant character from the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. She is the princess of the kingdom of Manipur, ruled by her father, King Chitravahana. Her unique upbringing is a key aspect of her narrative. Raised as a warrior prince, Chitrangada was trained in martial arts and warfare, a stark contrast to the typical upbringing of women in that era. She was also her father's only heir, and due to a prophecy that the kingdom would remain without an heir, the king declared that the princess and her lineage would rule Manipur.

The story of Chitrangada intersects with the epic when the Pandava prince Arjuna, in exile, arrives in Manipur. King Chitravahana, impressed by Arjuna's valor, agrees to let him stay in his kingdom. During his stay, Arjuna encounters Chitrangada and falls deeply in love with her. Chitrangada, in turn, reciprocates his affections. However, their union is complicated by a condition set by her father. King Chitravahana states that any child born from their union must remain in Manipur and inherit the throne. Arjuna agrees to this condition.

From their union, a son named Babhruvahana is born. Chitrangada plays a crucial role in the events that follow, particularly during the Ashvamedha sacrifice performed by Arjuna. In a fateful encounter, Babhruvahana, unaware of Arjuna's true identity, kills his father in a battle. Devastated by this turn of events and the realization of her son's unwitting action, Chitrangada, along with her son, invokes divine intervention to revive Arjuna. Her character is often seen as a symbol of strength, independence, and devotion.