The strange story of princess Mādhavī is narrated in the Gālavacarita (Mahābhārata 5.104-121), on the occasion of Kṛṣṇa's embassy at Duryodhana's court. Kṛṣṇa tries to convince Duryodhana that he should share his kingdom with the Pāṇḍavas, and the ṛṣi Nārada tells him the story of Mādhavī to warn him against the dangers of excessive obstinacy and pride. I call this story strange, because, as we shall see, the way in which Mādhavī is treated and/or behaves violates practically all the rules concerning the correct treatment and behaviour of women. Yet neither Mādhavī herself, nor those who inflict that treatment on her, are ever blamed or said to act in a way that is contrary to dharma
