Platonic love, before it was a term!

- Karishma Mishra, BA (hons.) Journalism, third year

Platonic love is seen as a Gen-Z term, but according to me, it existed much before this term came into the frame. In Indian mythology, the prototype for this kind of love is the bond between Krishna and Draupadi. These two characters, who are at the center of the epic Mahabharata, are not connected through the strings of blood, commitment, or romance like other characters, but they are connected telepathically.

Krishna fulfilled his role as “Sakha'' without any said or written laws or rules. Both of them saw each other as equal partners in every situation they were in.

Draupadi has been called by many names, but her favourite was “Krishna” which was given to her by her beloved Krishna. This name not just gave her the power to embrace her dark tone and flex it as her merit but also made her feel the presence of her friend whenever he was not there physically.

Whenever someone talks about their bond, the story that dominates the scene is the “Cheer Haran“ incident, where Draupadi was not only subjected to embarrassment but was also helpless and alone even among her well-wishers and loved ones. No one had the courage to stop the disrobing of the honour of Hastinapur. The only one Draupadi called from heart to help her was her Sakha, and he saved her, keeping the trust of his "Sakhi".

Every time they met, it would help her feel relaxed amidst her grappling days. Constant friendly taunts and comments from Krishna never made her angry. She had only Krishna to whom she could tell everything without any fear or hesitation, unlike with her husbands, to whom she was dedicated but not attached and who saw her as a loyal woman, not as their wife.

Throughout their lives, Draupadi and Krishna were there for each other without any commitment or expectations. Draupadi had witnessed the death of her loved ones in Kurukshetra, but the news of Krishna's demise felt like her own death. Their bond was so eternal that some people believe that it was Krishna who held Draupadi’s hand and took her to heaven after her death.

Amidst the epic saga of Mahabharata, this relationship between Krishna and Draupadi was a testament to an unconditional and eternal friendship, which is the base of the modern-day concept of platonic love.