Epics of India Storybook

Dasaratha is the king of Kosala at the opening of the Ramayana. Throughout Dasaratha’s part of the story, we learn about kings in general.

A king’s primary role is to take care of his subjects. Dasaratha tells the people he has dedicated his life to their welfare. Continually focusing on earthly matters can have negative effects on a person. Dasaratha calls his kingly duties a “burden” that must be given to “younger shoulders” (p. 36). Viswamithra was a king once, but he renounced this position to pursue instead spiritual matters (p. 9). Sakara “renounced the world” (a spiritual act), which included giving up his kingship (p. 18).

The more a king succeeds at taking care of his subjects, his kingdom will grow and he will become more prosperous. A king’s success will invariably lead others to jealousy. In Dasaratha’s case, even the gods envied the size of his kingdom. In many cases, other men envy the king and wish to take his positon, power, and wealth from him. A king must be careful not to grow his kingdom beyond what he can protect.

The king also has the responsibility to plan for his successor. The story opens with a childless Dasaratha wanting children so that his kingdom would have successor after his death. He performs a sacrifice and is blessed with numerous children. When he feels the time is right, he passes the kingship to his son Rama. The king’s successor must be a good enough leader and well-liked enough among the people that the transition to the new king will be smooth: for Dasaratha, Rama was an excellent choice. Throughout history many kings have not given up the throne during their lifetime, often leaving a turbulent struggle for succession after them. Dasaratha made a wise decision to pass on the kingship during his life.

Many people desire the position of king, either for themselves or for their family members, so a king must contend with those striving to take the throne instead of his appointed successor. Dasaratha tried to make Rama the king quickly to avoid these struggles, but he could not avoid them. His haste and deception amplified the struggles for succession and brought about his death.