Did Laxman, Bharat, and Shatrughan Have Their Own Children in the Ramayana?

Introduction

In the ancient Hindu epic, Ramayana, Laxman Lakshmana, Bharat Bharata, and Shatrughan are the brothers of Lord Rama. According to various interpretations and retellings of this epic, each brother had children. These details, however, can vary depending on different versions of the Ramayana, as the story has many retellings and adaptations across cultures. Let's delve into the different tales surrounding the offspring of these beloved characters.

Laxman Lakshmana's Children

Laxman Lakshmana is said to have had two sons: Angada and Chandraketu. Angada went west of Ayodhya and ruled Karupada, while Chandraketu went to Angada’s north and ruled Chandradyuti in the picturesque Mallya region on the foothills of the Himalayas.

Several historical markers confirm these tales. For instance, present-day regions called Malihamau and Mallavan near Lakhimpur town of Uttar Pradesh state are believed to be the boundaries of Chandradyuti. Additionally, it is believed that Laxman's descendants founded Lakhnau or Lakshmanpur, now known as Lucknow, in Uttar Pradesh state. The Pratihara Kshatriyas of Western India also claim to be descendants of Laxman, as recorded in The History of the Gurjara-Pratiharas by Baij Nath Puri.

Bharat Bharata's Children

Bharat is typically described as having two sons: Taksha and Pushkala. They moved to their maternal uncle's kingdom, Kaikeya, which is present-day Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan. They founded two cities: Takshashila and Pushkalavati, now known as Taxila and Charsadda near Peshawar, respectively.

These cities are well-documented in historical records. For example, Brahmanda Purana, Ramayana, Vayu Purana, and Encyclopedia Britannica all provide detailed accounts of Takshashila and Pushkalavati. Source: ‘A guide to Taxila’, and The Buddhist art of Gandhara” by Sir John Marshall.

Shatrughan's Children

Shatrughan's story revolves around his victory over the rakshasa Lavanasura in the thickly forested Madhuvana, which is now known as Mathura in Uttar Pradesh state. After this victory, his son Subahu succeeded him at Mathura, while his other son Shrutaghati ruled Vidisha in present-day Madhya Pradesh state.

These details are corroborated by various sources, including Ramayana 7.76, 7.121, Bhagavata Purana 9.11.13, and Devi Bhagavatam 4.20.56. Additionally, the Brahmanda Purana also provides clear accounts of Shatrughan's sons and their regions.

Conclusion

The tales of Laxman, Bharat, and Shatrughan and their offspring are intriguing and detailed in the ancient literature. These stories serve not only as historical narratives but also as cultural and religious symbols that continue to inspire and captivate people across generations. While the specific details may vary across different versions of the Ramayana, the legacies of these heroic brothers continue to live on.