Bharata

Bharata, in Hindu mythology was the half-brother of Lord Rama, and the son of Emperor Dasaratha and Kaikeyi of the Solar Dynasty. It is said that after Rama, he was the symbol of idealism. As a matter of fact, there are a few commentators who deem Bharata to be even greater than Lord Rama himself in virtue.

The Ramayana relates how Kaikeyi tricked the king into promising to put Bharatha on the throne of Ayodhya and banish Rama into exile. Bharata did not want to rule the kingdom which was rightfully his elder brother Rama's and so he placed Rama's sandals on the throne and managed the kingdom on behalf of his elder brother during Rama's 14 years of exile.

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In Hindu mythology, King Bharata (not to be confused with Lord Rama's brother with the same name), was the one, after whom India was also named Bharatavarsha. A descendant of the Lunar Dynasty, he was the son of King Dushyanta and Shakuntala. Christened Sarvadamana (subduer of all), the Mahabharata traces the events in his life by which he came to be known as Bharata (the cherished).

His exploits as a child prince is beautifully dramatised in Kalidasa's poetic play Abignana Shakuntalam

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