Reading Notes: Ramayana, Part A

(Kaikeyi informs Rama of his exile while Dasaratha laments; source: Wikipedia)

The character that I find most interesting in the Ramayana is Kaikeyi. Her motivations and her manipulation at the hands of Manthara are interesting to explore. As such, I focused my notes on the section wherein she devises and enacts a plan to ensure she and her son hold power in the kingdom.

Plot:

• Manthara, Bharata's old nurse, despised Rama and hated the fact that he was to be named Yuvarajah.
• She approaches Queen Kaikeyi, Bharata's mother, and calls her foolish for being happy. She explains that once Rama becomes king, she will become a slave to his wife Sita and mother Kausalya.
• Manthara goes on to say that Rama might exile Bharata and plot to kill him.
• Initially, Kaikeyi defends Rama by saying he is the firstborn to the eldest queen and therefore, the rightful heir to the throne. As Manthara continues to manipulate her, Kaikeyi grows jealous and asks Manthara how to convince King Dasaratha to do her bidding.
• Manthara reminds Kaikeyi of the two boons King Dasaratha had granted her after she saved his life. She advises Kaikeyi to go to the mourning chamber and pretend to be sorrowful and angry to attract the king's attention.
• When the king arrives at the chamber, Kaikeyi asks that he uphold his promise and grant her two boons. The king agrees without knowing her specific demands.
• Kaikeyi asks that her son Bharata be installed as Yuvarajah and that Rama be exiled to the forest for fourteen years.
• Hearing this, King Dasaratha laments and grows resentful towards Kaikeyi. He begs Kaikeyi to reconsider and reminds her that Rama has never done any wrong unto her.
• Kaikeyi staunchly refuses his appeals and claims that she will drink poison if he fails to uphold his promise. With no other option, Dasaratha agrees to Kaikeyi's terms, all the while begging for a quick death.

Characters:

• Manthara - conniving old nurse to Bharata, despises Rama and doesn't want him on the throne
• Kaikeyi - youngest queen, very beautiful, loves her son Bharata dearly, easily manipulated by Manthara
• Dasaratha - king of Ayodhya, has immense love for his son Rama

Bibliography. Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie (1913).