Epics of India Storybook

Even before the riders from Ayodhya arrived in Kekaya, Bharata knew something was wrong: after describing his dream, Satrughna told him that someone had died (Buck 112). As he learned of these events, Bharata experienced deep grief and anger. He saw Rama as the only comfort to the grief from his father’s death, claiming “I take Rama for my refuge” (113); he could not comprehend that Rama would have been banished without committing some crime (114). He told Vasishtha that he will never forgive his mother or forget what she has done (116-117). These events left Bharata overwhelmed with emotion.

His initial feelings of grief and anger gave way to compassion and a desire for right (devotion to Dharma). When Vasishtha told him what would happen to his mother if he withheld his forgiveness, Bharata forgives her (117). When the men discussed killing Manthara, he refused because Rama would not approve (and I think Bharata believed Rama would not approve because the action was not just). He resolved to seek out Rama and to convince him to come back as the rightful king. He attempted to convince Guha and Bharadwaja, but they lightly rebuked him and provided him a different perspective. Bharata’s words and actions showed that his primary concern at this time was doing the right thing.

Bharata may feel some insecurity in his own abilities, but I believe this sense of rightness provided a stronger motivation for not wanting to be king. I think he rightly feared that the people would not accept a king who inherited the throne unjustly. His decision to rule as Rama’s regent, especially his action of placing Rama’s sandals on the throne, showed his commitment to justice. I believe his action was well-received by the people, showing them that Bharata was not usurping his brother’s rightful place. The city underwent a period of mourning for the fourteen years of Rama’s exile, but Bharata’s attitude and actions gave the people confidence that he would rule them justly during that time.