Question

Arrange the following kings of the Raghu dynasty in the correct order they are described in the 'Raghuvamsha' of Kalidasa:
A. Dasharatha
B. Raghu
C. Aja
D. Rama
E. Dilipa
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. E, B, A, C, D
  (B)
  (C)
  (D)
• B. E, B, C, A, D
• C. B, E, C, A, D
• D. E, C, B, A, D

Hint:

Mnemonic: "Di-Ra-A-Da-Ra".
Dilipa $\rightarrow$ Raghu $\rightarrow$ Aja $\rightarrow$ Dasharatha $\rightarrow$ Rama.
This five-king sequence covers the first 15 cantos of the epic and is the most important part of the Raghuvamsha genealogy.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
'Raghuvamsha' is a Mahakavya that describes the genealogy of the Solar Race (Ikshvaku dynasty). Kalidasa does not describe all kings but focuses on the most prominent ones to illustrate the ideals of kingship. Tracing the order of these kings across the 19 cantos is a standard test of one's familiarity with the epic's narrative arc.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The chronological order of these kings in Kalidasa's epic is as follows:

1. E. Dilipa: The epic begins with King Dilipa (Canto 1 and 2), describing his service to the divine cow Nandini to obtain a son.

2. B. Raghu: Dilipa's son is Raghu (Canto 3-5), after whom the dynasty is named. He is famous for his 'Digvijaya' (conquest of the world) and the 'Vishvajit' sacrifice.

3. C. Aja: Raghu's son is Aja (Canto 6-8), famous for his marriage to Indumati and the tragic 'Aja-vilapa' after her death.

4. A. Dasharatha: Aja's son is Dasharatha (Canto 9), described as a mighty hunter and the ruler of Ayodhya.

5. D. Rama: Dasharatha's son is the celebrated Lord Rama (Canto 10-15), whose story forms the central part of the epic.

The lineage continues after Rama with Kusha, Atithi, etc., ending with Agnivarna in the 19th canto. For the five kings mentioned, the order is Dilipa $\rightarrow$ Raghu $\rightarrow$ Aja $\rightarrow$ Dasharatha $\rightarrow$ Rama. This corresponds to the sequence E, B, C, A, D.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct order of the kings in Raghuvamsha is E, B, C, A, D. Therefore, Option (B) is the correct answer.