A promise and the forest
Rama responds to a sudden change in his future by accepting his father's promise.
Valmiki Ramayana · Ayodhya Kanda 19
एवम् अस्तु गमिष्यामि वनम् वस्तुम् अहम् तु अतः |
जटा चीर धरः राज्ञः प्रतिज्ञाम् अनुपालयन् || २-१९-२
The following is an original editorial summary, not a literal translation. Details may differ across Ramayana traditions.
Rama hears Kaikeyi's words and answers her directly. Rama agrees to leave for the forest. Rama says he will fulfil the king's promise.
The demand pairs Rama's exile with Bharata's installation. The opening verse describes Rama as unruffled despite the painful news.
Read the Sanskrit source and context
Try five questions
Who conveys the demand to Rama?
- Sita
- Shabari
- Kaikeyi
Rama hears Kaikeyi's words and answers her directly.
Where does Rama agree to live?
- In the forest
- In Lanka
- In Mithila
Rama agrees to leave for the forest.
Whose promise does Rama say he will fulfil?
- Ravana's
- The king's
- Sugriva's
Rama says he will fulfil the king's promise.
Who is to receive the kingdom instead?
- Hanuman
- Janaka
- Bharata
The demand pairs Rama's exile with Bharata's installation.
How does the chapter describe Rama's first response?
- Unruffled
- Celebrating victory
- Preparing an attack
The opening verse describes Rama as unruffled despite the painful news.