Kaikeyi

Kaikeyi and her twin brother Yudhajit are born on a full moon under an “auspicious constellation, the holiest of positions” to Ashwapati, the Raja of Kekaya, and his wife, Radnyi Kekaya (3). Kaikeyi’s father is thrilled by the birth of a male heir—Yudhajit will inherit the throne even though Kaikeyi was born first. Kekaya then gave birth to six more sons. Their father treats his sons well, often indulging them and spending time with them, but neglects Kaikeyi. Kaikeyi forms close bonds with her younger brothers, often playing with them. During a game, Kaikeyi and Yudhajit are summoned to their father. When they enter the raja’s throne room, he tells them that their mother, Kekaya, is gone and will never return. The twins try to question their father, but he refuses to answer. He tells Kaikeyi that she will take over as radnyi (or queen) until she is of marriage age. At 12, Kaikeyi feels unprepared for such a role. She thinks about her mother, how she was not as loving and coddling as the other ladies at court, instead focusing on Kaikeyi’s education, teaching her how to read intricate documents and tutoring her in the history and legends of the gods and goddesses of their culture.