**King Dasaratha and His Wives**

King Dasaratha, also known as Dasharatha, was a prominent figure in the Hindu epic, Ramayana. He was the king of Ayodhya and the father of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

**Polygamy in Ancient India**

In ancient India, polygamy was a common practice among kings and nobles. It was not uncommon for kings to have multiple wives. This practice was often associated with political alliances, strategic marriages, and the desire for male heirs.

**King Dasaratha's Wives**

King Dasaratha had three wives, namely Kaushalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra. Each of these wives played a significant role in the Ramayana and had their own unique qualities and characteristics.

1. **Kaushalya:** Kaushalya was the first wife of King Dasaratha and the mother of Lord Rama. She was known for her virtuous nature, patience, and unwavering devotion to her family. Kaushalya loved Rama dearly and supported him throughout his journey, even when he was exiled from Ayodhya.

2. **Kaikeyi:** Kaikeyi was the second wife of King Dasaratha and the mother of Bharata. She was known for her beauty and bravery. However, her actions in the Ramayana were controversial. She asked Dasaratha to grant her two boons, which ultimately led to Rama's exile and Bharata becoming the king of Ayodhya in Rama's absence.

3. **Sumitra:** Sumitra was the third wife of King Dasaratha and the mother of Lakshmana and Shatrughna. She was known for her wisdom, courage, and devotion to her family. Sumitra raised her sons with love and care, and they played crucial roles in supporting and assisting Lord Rama throughout his journey.

**Conclusion**

In conclusion, King Dasaratha had three wives: Kaushalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra. Each of these wives had their own unique role and significance in the Ramayana. While Kaushalya and Sumitra were portrayed positively for their devotion and support, Kaikeyi's actions had significant consequences in the epic.