Kekaya

Kekaya is the kingdom of Kaikeyi’s homeland and part of Bharata. At the beginning of the novel, it is ruled by Raja Ashwapati, but Kaikeyi’s twin brother Yudhajit takes over when Ashwapati advocates in old age. Under Ashwapati, Kekaya is a dark and mellow place with very few people out and about. Even the palace is described as relatively drab, though this changes after Yudhajit takes over and adopts some of Kaikeyi’s renovations. It is a very proud kingdom, as shown by their mistrust of leaders who arrive in carriages. They are also avid horseback riders as even Kaiekyi learns how to ride as a child. In the end, most of Kekaya’s army is wiped out after Yudhajit declares war against Kosala when Bharata refuses to take the throne.

Ayodhya

Ayodhya is the capital of the kingdom of Kosala and where Kaikeyi lives after...