Kaikeyi's Deception in the Sulking Chamber

These words poisoned the gullible Kaikeyi's mind. She believed Manthara's words were accurate and became worried about Bharat's future. She became so afraid that she asked Manthara for a solution to the problem. 

"The king had promised to grant you two boons several years ago; the time has come to ask for those boons," said Manthara. "Whatever happens, have your demands fulfilled. Tell the king to give the throne to Bharat and sentence Ram to fourteen years of exile. Now go and lie down in the sulking chamber." Manthara also told Kaikeyi to harden her heart and stubbornly demand that her wishes be fulfilled.

In ancient times, kings often had multiple wives, making it a challenge to keep them all happy. Because the king was occupied with matters of state, he did not always know which queen was unhappy with him or why. To address this, a separate room called the sulking chamber was established in the palace. If a queen felt unhappy or had something to communicate to the king, she would go to the sulking chamber. Upon learning that a queen was in the sulking chamber, the king would promptly go there to listen to her concerns. 

Taking Manthara's advice, Kaikeyi went to the sulking chamber. She wore an unwashed saree, removed all her jewelry, and threw it on the ground. Then, she lay down on the floor and began shedding ostentatious tears.

Emperor Dasharath went to Kaikeyi's room but learned that the queen was in the sulking chamber upon reaching there. So, the Emperor went there to meet Kaikeyi. He was shocked to see the Queen lying on the ground, wearing widow's clothes. Emperor Dasharath made many attempts to learn why Kaikeyi was sad, but she remained silent as if she were a stone statue.

Finally, the emperor said, "I love Ram more than anything in my life, and I swear by him—I will do as you say."

When Dasharath swore by Ram, Kaikeyi got up and sat down. She was familiar with the traditions of the Solar dynasty, wherein a king would even give up his life to keep his word. Kaikeyi was now sure that Dasharath would fulfill her demands.