Ayodhya Kanda Interpolations and Interesting Verses

Ayodhya Kanda Section 19

Interpolations Verses 4, 11, 18-27, 31-35

Interesting Verses

Verse 11 In this verse, Rama tells Kayekai that he will go to the Dandaka Forest. In
accordance with my previous theory that Kayekai deciding that Rama should inhabit the
Dandaka Forest is an interpolation, I suggest that this verse is an interpolation. The reason
being can be seen by Kayekais response to Rama in the following verses. She first responds
to Ramas thought of bringing Bharatha back to Ayodhya (verse 10). One would expect that
in a response, the most recent points (spoken by the other person) would be first
addressed. The fact that she responds to an earlier verse (verse 10) instead of talking about
the later verse where Rama tells Kayekai that he will go to Dandaka (verse 11) suggests that
Ramas last verse to her was about Bharatha, verse 10. Verse 11 was an interpolation.
Furthermore, Kayekai, in her response, just mentions exile to the forest, not specifically the
Dandaka forest (verses 12, 14), confirming our doubts that verse 11, in which Rama
mentions that he will go to the Dandaka forest, is a later interpolation.

If we read the entire section as whole, we see that at the very beginning Rama tells Kayekai
that he would go to exile (verse 2). Kayekais interpretation of Ramas eagerness to go to
exile (verse 14) therefore comes from this verse.

Verse 40 It says that Rama entered Kaushalyas palace with his friends, but did not tell
them about the fact that he would go on exile. This suggests that verses 34-35, where Rama
sends back his friends, are clear interpolations to the epic.

Ayodhya Kanda Section 20

Interpolations Verses 1-7, 26, 28, 30, 49-51

Interesting Verses

Verses 1-7 In these verses, all the women of Dashratha rebuke him for what he did to
Rama. The problem here is how did the news leak? Dashratha was already in misery and
Kayekai had no reason to tell anyone about the exile. Rama also did not even tell the news
to his closest friends, let alone other queens. Since Dashratha and Kayekai were in Kayekais
apartments, how could the other queens, who have their own apartments find out about
the news in Kayekais apartments so quickly? Also, how could the cries of these queens,
who were in their own apartments, reach Dashratha? There are some inconsistencies,
hence I consider these verses as interpolations.

Verse 32 After Rama tells Kaushalya of his exile, she is said to have fell to the ground like
a goddess dropped from heaven. Note how this comparison was also used when Kayekai
dropped to the ground, divested of ornaments in her plan to extract a boon from Dashratha
and secure the kingdom for Bharatha.

Verse 33 Kaushalya also had dust on herself after falling to the ground, just like Kayekai
earlier had.

Verses 38-39, 42 Kaushalya explains how Kayekais growing influence on Dashratha had
led to Dashratha sidelining her and treating her like an inferior one. Dashrathas co-wives
did the same. In verse 42 Kaushalya laments that Dashratha did not give her independence.
But according to Vedic Aryan tradition, women were always dependent to their husbands.
Then why does Kaushalya say this? Possibly due to the matrilineal tradition in Ayodhya.
Perhaps, Kaushlya was just a consort of Dashratha, not an actual wife, and Dashratha did
not give her independence to marry another man.

Verse 44 Kayekai was always harsh, angry, and rude to Kaushalya.

Verse 45 At the time of Ramas exile, he was 17 years old (not 23 years old).

Verse 55 Kaushalya is likened to a kinnari. Remember that Kayekai was likened to the
same prior to asking Dashratha for the boon.

Ayodhya Kanda Section 21

Interpolations Verse 63

Interesting Verses

Verse 2 Lakshmana says that Rama should not yield to the wishes of a woman (Kayekai).
We can see such misogynistic behavior in Aranya Kanda Section 45 in his speech after
Seetha insults him.

Verse 3 Lakshmana says that Dashratha is overpowered by carnal desires and of perverse
behavior.

Verse 8 Lakshmana says that the news of the exile had not spread as yet and was
therefore confined to him, Rama, Dashratha, and Kayekai (and Kaushalya as well).

Verse 9 Lakshmana likens Rama to Yama Deva.

Verses 11-12 These verses show Lakshmanas bitterness towards Bharatha and
Dashratha. Possibly due to the excessive love showered by Dashratha on Bharatha and
Kayekai

Verse 17 Why does Lakshmana mention fire in addition to forest here? What is the
significance of Rama entering fire?

Verse 27 This verse implies that Kaushalya was a Brahmin.

Verse 37 Rama was skillful in speech.

Verse 46 Rama planned on regaining his kingdom after returning from exile.

Verses 53-55 Rama gets angry at Lakshmana because due to the latters words,
Kaushalya refused to let Rama go on exile. In a state of anger, he puts the entire blame on
Lakshmana. This is not the first time where Ramas harsh feelings towards Lakshmana are
shown. In these verses, Rama also says that he has some sort of purpose/plan/intention for
going to exile, suggesting that the reason for exile was not just to follow Dashrathas wish!

Verse 56 Rama says he will get artha in his forest. Perhaps he pre-planned the conquest
of the Rakshasas? How else would he plan to get artha from his exile? How would he get
kama in the forest?

Ayodhya Kanda Section 22

Interpolations None

Interesting Verses

In this section, Rama tries to convince Lakshmana and pacify his anger by using destiny as
a pretext. He tries to assert that all inauspicious events that happened are the product of
destiny alone. However, keep in mind that this was just to convince Lakshmana. Most likely
Rama did not believe in this destiny stuff as he later abused Kayekai in Aranya Kanda (when
Viraadha was kidnapping Seetha) for sending him to exile.

Ayodhya Kanda Section 23

Interpolations 9-10, 23

Interesting Verses

Verse 1 Hearing Ramas words, Lakshmana is filled with joy along with grief. What could
possibly be a reason for this joy?
Verse 14 Lakshmana says that Dashratha and Kayekai are both steeped in passion and
that due to that they never cared for Ramas wellbeing.

Verses 27-28 Lakshmana says that the feudal kings (of Dashratha) may oppose Ramas
coronation, and that he will protect Rama from these kings The point to think on is why
Lakshmana would have this fear if Rama was the eldest son of Dashratha and rightful heir
to the throne!

Ayodhya Kanda Section 24

Interpolations 14-17, 35, 37

Interesting Verses

Verse 6-8 Kaushalya likens her grief to the fire of a yajna into which oblations are offered.
What is the significance of this comparison?

Verse 19 Kaushalya again talks about how she will not be able to live in the midst of her
cowives if abandoned by Rama.

Verse 28 To pacify Kaushalya, Rama asks her to worship Agni Deva and important
brahmins, thereby reinforcing her superstition and calming her down

Verse 30 Rama says that Kaushalya will be pleased (i.e. Rama will be king) only if
Dashratha is still alive upon Ramas return to Ayodhya after completing exile. What does
this mean? Did Rama think that Bharatha would not give the kingdom to Rama after the
completion of his (Rama) exile?