Did King Dasaratha Have Any Other Wives Besides Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra?

In the epic Ramayana, King Dasaratha, the ruler of Ayodhya, is primarily known to have three wives: Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra. These three queens are central to the narrative, particularly concerning the birth of his sons Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna. However, the original texts do not mention any other wives of Dasaratha. Some later interpretations or regional versions might introduce additional characters, but in the most widely accepted versions, he is depicted as having only these three wives.

The Riddle of 350 Wives

Despite the common belief, there exists an intriguing detail that suggests King Dasaratha had an additional 350 wives. While the epic does not mention these, hints can be found in ancient texts and interpretations. The Valmiki Ramayana specifically notes that Dasaratha had exactly 350 wives, with the three mentioned above being his chief wives.

The Context of 350 Wives

The proof for the existence of 350 wives can be found in the Ayodhyakanda of the Valmiki Ramayana. In a poignant scene, when Dasaratha dies, all 350 wives accompany Kaikeyi to Kausalya's quarter, where Kausalya and Sumitra are present with the body of Dasaratha.

The Dialogue with Yajna Purusha

According to the narrative, Yajna Purusha, who emerges from the sacrificial fire with a vessel of dessert, advises Dasaratha that this dessert should be presented to his eligible or favorite wives. The text explicitly mentions, 'Encircling Kausalya, three hundred fifty women steadfast in their vow of devotion to their husband with their eyes reddened went there slowly.' This verse reinforces the idea of multiple wives attending the funeral.

The Structure of Queenly Relationships

Dasaratha indeed had three prominent wives: Kausalya as the eldest, Sumitra as the second, and Kaikeyi. The verse from Ayodhya Kanda sarga 34, verse 13 reads, 'Encircling Kausalya three hundred fifty women steadfast in their vow of devotion to their husband with their eyes reddened went there slowly.' Similarly, Ayodhya Kanda sarga 39, verse 36 mentions, 'Uttering the aforesaid words of such quality and appropriate meaning to his mother Rama thought once again and gazed at his three hundred and fifty step-mothers.'

The Significance of 350 Wives

The number 350 is significant in the text, often associated with the female household members. In the context of royal lineage and succession, having so many wives would have provided a diverse pool of potential offspring, though the three chief wives were mentioned specifically in the narrative for their role in the birth of Rama, Bharata, and Lakshmana.

While the number 350 might seem exaggerated, it reflects the complexity and richness of the ancient Indian society, where polygamy was not uncommon among royalty. The presence of these additional wives underscores the nuanced and multi-layered nature of the Ramayana's portrayal of its characters and their roles.