Indumati

Indumati is a prominent female character in the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. She is primarily known as the princess of Vidarbha and the wife of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya. Her story is most notably featured in the Balakanda, the introductory book of the Ramayana.

Indumati's father was King Bhadra, and she was known for her exceptional beauty and charm. Several prominent kings sought her hand in marriage, leading to a swayamvara, a ceremony where a princess chooses her husband. During this event, her father declared that she would marry the king who could defeat him in battle. Many kings attempted to do so, but none were successful.

It was King Dasharatha, the ruler of Ayodhya, who emerged victorious against King Bhadra. Impressed by Dasharatha's valor and strength, King Bhadra bestowed Indumati upon him as his bride. Indumati became one of Dasharatha's three wives, alongside Kausalya and Kaikeyi. She was a devoted wife and a respected queen in the kingdom of Ayodhya. Although she did not have any children of her own, she was a loving figure in the royal household. Her narrative serves to establish the lineage and marital alliances of King Dasharatha before the birth of Lord Rama and his brothers.