Madhabi

Madhabi (Nepali: माधवी) is a 1983 Nepali mythological novel by Madan Mani Dixit. It was published on 13 April 1983 by Sajha Prakashan, and won the Madan Puraskar (2039 BS) for the same year. It is a retelling of the story of Madhabi and Gallav from Mahabharata. Written in a grandiose setting, the novel depicts the economic, social and political conditions of Vedic Indian society three thousand years ago. The original story is told in Mahabharat to Duryodhana to teach him about the result of stubbornness and how it can destroy life.

The book illustrates the evils of ancient Indian society, such as slavery and patriarchy, and the helplessness of a woman in a patriarchal society and her exploitation by men. Madhavi is used by multiple men throughout the book, but is neglected towards the end. The novel is considered a classic in Nepali literature.