Rukmini is usually shown as a docile spouse, while Satyabhama is the feisty and outspoken one. The famous Thulabaram emphasizes the difference between Rukmini and Satya and how they express their love for Krishna.

It does seem surprising to see her so mellow, especially since her marriage to Krishna was an elopement. Rukmini, the Princess of Vidharba, sends a letter to Krishna asking him to take her away right before her forced marriage with Sisupala, the prince of Chedi.

What if Rukmini is the same fiery woman who chose her own fate? What if she held the fort in Dwaraka when Krishna was away saving the world? Someone had to manage the kingdom. Maybe it was Rukmini who did it all.

This book by Saiswaroopa Iyer is based on this wonderful premise. It starts right at the end when Dwaraka is drowning and moves straight to the time when Rukmini first hears about Krishna and her role as a vital part of the Yadu clan.

The book covers a lot, and understandably, some of it had to be edited. I’m curious why the author chose to leave out incidents involving the Semantaka mani (the Vinakaya Chaviti story), Krishna’s marriage to Satyabhama and Jambhavati, Narakasura vadha, and Thulabaram. My guess is that she didn’t want these incidents to take the focus away from Rukmini. Still, a passing reference would have been enough.

I was also surprised that Narada muni was nowhere in the book. He was the catalyst who ensured that the acts on Earth were in accordance with the plan of destiny. Was it because the author wanted to keep the characters real, as humans and not as an incarnation of God?

Most of the conflict in the book is either internal or between Krishna and Rukmini. While the entire backdrop is conflict-ridden, the focus on the disturbances in the relationship of the couple. I rather liked it. But I did wish that the co-wives weren’t so ready to agree with whatever Rukmini decided.

All my minor complaints aside, this book is a lovely read. I’d say it’s her love and devotion for Krishna and Rukmini that helped her achieve it. I’ll go back and pick up Draupadi now that I’ve read this one and feel assured enough.

To conclude, the Rukmini in this book is as vibrant and full of life as the beautiful yellow cover.

This review is posted as a part of the Thousand Reviewers Club. Thank you, Indic Academy and Indic Book Club, for the review copy.

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Read the full review here.