Kaikeyi

Malicious, wicked woman, bent on destroying this House! Evil woman, what evil did Rama or I ever do to you? [...] It was sheer suicide to bring you into my home. I did it unwittingly, thinking you a princess—and not a deadly poison viper.

— “Ayodhya” 10.30-10.40

While Sita is the perfect wife, other female characters are less honorable. Kaikeyi, King Dasaratha’s second wife, is a particularly effective foil. When her husband announces that Rama will ascend to the throne, Kaikeyi is initially joyous at her stepson’s success. However, her hunchbacked maidservant, Manthara, worries that, with Rama in power, Kaikeyi’s status – and thus hers — would be greatly diminished. Manthara slyly reminds Kaikeyi that years ago, the second queen saved Dasaratha’s life. In gratitude, he offered her two boons which she never redeemed. 

Emboldened, Kaikeyi feigns a distraught state. When the king sees his second wife sobbing inconsolably, he promises to do anything to help her, not realizing the magnitude of her coming request. Seizing her opportunity, Kaikeyi demands that he crown her son, Bharata, instead. To ensure little resistance, she also orders Dasaratha to banish Rama for fourteen years. The aging monarch is horrified at her betrayal, but has no choice. With a heavy heart, he honors Kaikeyi’s boons, and Rama begins his fateful journey into the forest.