Koikeyi Reinterpreted: A Comparative Character Analysis in the Ramayana/ তুলনামূলক আলোচনায় রামায়ণের কৈকেয়ী চরিত্র

Abstract

The main conflict in the Ramayana is centred on throne and power. The problem starts with the royal throne of Ayodhya. Dasharatha’s beloved wife Koikeyi was at the centre of power. A sudden plan was made to anoint Rama, the son of Koushalya as the crown prince. Koikeyi resists this with all her might. The entire royal family and even the circumstances were against her. For the future of her son, and her own rights, Koikeyi fought this unequal battle alone. She wrested victory even from the adverse situation with her cunning and flair. Readers cannot accept her in good heart because of her hyperactivity. Even her own son Bharata disowned her. The character thus becomes a tragic one.