Bharata

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Categories: Cleanup from August 2005 | Hindu mythology | Ramayana epic | Mahabharata epic

Bharata is the name of three different persons in Hindu mythology, as well as the author of a work of dramatic theory.

Bharata, half-brother of Rama

Bharata 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.

Bharata, upon learning of the exile of Rama, is mortified. He immediately declares his intention of bringing Rama back from the forests, and if need be serving out his exile for him. When the people of Ayodhya and the numerous allies of Rama learn of this, the scorned and hated prince is immediately made immortal in fame to the world by his self-lessness, honor for his family's fame and tradition, adherence to truth and righteousness and last but not least, love for his older brother.

After delivering the painful news of their father's death to Rama and Lakshmana, Bharata fights in vain to convince Rama to return, or allow himself to stay with him. When both Rama and the Guru Vashistha say that this would be unrighteous, Bharata leaves in bitter disappointment. But upon Rama's return to Ayodhya fourteen years later, Bharata leads the procession to greet the rightful king and queen, and his brother Lakshmana.

Although Rama first intends to crown Lakshmana the Yuvaraja, or Crown Prince after his own coronation, Lakshmana points out that Bharata's great virtues and years of experience as Ayodhya's king qualify him better, and thus he is immediately made Yuvaraja by Rama.

Bharata, son of Dushyanta

King Bharata was the son of King Dushyanta and Shakuntala and thus a descendant of the Lunar Dynasty. Both he and Bharata, the son of Rishabha (see below), are believed to be the person after whom India was named Bharatavarsha. He was originally christened Sarvadamana (subduer of all); the Mahabharata traces the events in his life by which he came to be known as Bharata (the cherished).

Bharata's exploits as a child prince are dramatised in Kalidasa's poetic play The Recognition of Shakuntala.

Bharata, son of Rishabha

King Bharata was the eldest son of King Rishabha. Both he and Bharata, the son of Dushyanta (see above), are believed to be the person after whom India was named Bharatavarsha. In his later years, this Bharata renounced the throne and became an ascetic in a forest. Though he had renounced most worldly desires, he is said to have become very fond of a deer fawn in the forest. Hence he is said to have been reborn as a deer, and then again reborn as Jadha Bharata in a Brahmin family.

Bharata the dramatic theorist

Main article: Bharata Muni.

Bharata Muni was the author of the Natyasastra, the most important work of dramatic theory in the Sanskrit language.