Sumantra is King Dasharatha's chief minister and charioteer. He advises the king on the sacrifice for sons, drives Rama into exile and returns to tell the grieving court that Rama has gone into the forest.
RoleMember of the Ikshvaku royal family
Appears inRamayana
GroupIkshvaku royal family
KingdomAyodhya
First appearsBala Kanda, Sarga 7
Sargas24 in the Valmiki Ramayana
Frequently asked questions
Who was Sumantra in the Ramayana?
He was King Dasharatha's chief minister and charioteer.
What role did Sumantra play in Rama's exile?
He drove Rama, Sita and Lakshmana out of Ayodhya and brought Rama's messages back to the king.
Sources
- Valmiki Ramayana, Bala Kanda (sargas 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 1.11, 1.13)
- Valmiki Ramayana, Ayodhya Kanda (sargas 2.3, 2.14, 2.15, 2.16, 2.35, 2.39, 2.40, 2.45, 2.46, 2.49, 2.52, 2.57 and more)
- Valmiki Ramayana, Uttara Kanda (sargas 7.46, 7.50, 7.51)
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