Indumati: The Queen of the Solar Dynasty
Indumati: The Queen of the Solar Dynasty The Story of Aja’s Queen and Dasharatha’s Mother Indumati occupies an important place in the traditional genealogy of the Solar Dynasty (Suryavamsa). Although she is not a central character in the main narrative of the Ramayana, she is an important figure in the family history of Lord Rama. Indumati was the wife of King Aja and the mother of King Dasharatha, the father of Rama. Her family connection can therefore be remembered simply as: Indumati + Aja → Dasharatha → Rama Her story is narrated particularly in Kalidasa’s Raghuvamsha, one of the great Sanskrit mahakavyas. --- 1. Who Was Indumati? Indumati was a princess of Vidarbha, according to the tradition presented in Raghuvamsha. She was known for her beauty, dignity and noble character. When the time came for her marriage, a swayamvara was arranged. In a swayamvara, a princess could choose her husband from among the kings and princes who had assembled for the occasion. Many powerful rul...
