Did Bharata Really Know About the Ravan-War in Ramayana?

The question of whether Bharata knew about the Ravan-war during Ram's exile is a subject of endless debate among scholars and readers of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. This essay explores the arguments for and against the knowledge Bharata had, and provides a logical perspective based on the narrative and cultural context of the story.

Was Bharata Informed About the War?

The Ramayana, as it is traditionally narrated, does not explicitly mention Bharata being informed about the war. Therefore, if we strictly adhere to the text, it can be argued that Bharata was not aware of the conflict with Ravan until Hanuman returned with the news. However, the question of whether Bharata knew, or supposed to have known, introduces an additional layer of complexity to the narrative.

The Incident of the Arrow

When Hanuman returned to Ayodhya with the Sanjeevani herb, he encountered Bharata who mistook him for an enemy due to the urgency and the bizarre nature of the situation. Bharata, thinking he was under attack, shot an arrow at Hanuman.

According to some interpretations, Bharata only found out about the true nature of the mission from Hanuman himself as he explained the situation. This event serves as a turning point in the narrative, providing information that otherwise may not have been known to Bharata.

Why Was Bharata Unaware?

Moving away from the narrative, logic and the cultural context of the story suggest several reasons why Bharata might not have been aware of the war:

Strict Adherence to Rules: Ram, as the ruler, was meticulous about his duties and the rules of exile. It is less likely that he would have actively sought help from his brother or his kingdom. Moreover, Ram was focused on the divine mission rather than personal matters. Protection of Ayodhya: Given that Ram was away, any movement of the army to Lanka would have left Ayodhya vulnerable. Shatrughan, while competent, was not as strong as his brother, making other measures more prudent. Curse and Prophecy: The take-off of the war was a part of a larger cosmic plan, involving the gods, demons, and avatars. Hanuman and Sugreev were sent to aid Ram, and were considered powerful enough to handle the situation on their own.

Conclusion

While the Ramayana does not explicitly state that Bharata knew about the war, the logic and cultural context of the story suggest that it was not necessary for him to be informed. Ram, the exemplar of dharma, focused on the mission, and Bharata, as a responsible ruler, would have understood that he had to protect Ayodhya in Ram's absence.

Whether Bharata knew or not, the narrative of the Ramayana emphasizes understanding, trust, and the greater cosmic plan over individual knowledge or actions. Therefore, it is logical to conclude that Bharata did not know about the war, and this was part of the divine plan as per the epic.

Technology, culture, and human nature may change, but the lessons from the epics like the Ramayana remain timeless. They continue to inspire individuals and societies to seek balance, understanding, and righteousness in their lives.