BOOK 1: THE PROLOGUE
Chapter-to-chapter Summary:
Chapter-1
The Capital City
On the banks of the river Sarayu there was a fertile, prosperous and large state called Koshal. Ayodhya was the capital of Koshal. The city was built by the legendary Manavendra Manu. The capital city was not only beautiful but also a large metropolis with an impressive length of 12 jojans (a Vedic measure of distance) and a breadth of 3 jojans, easily traversable through wide thoroughfares and highways.
The roads were regularly cleaned with water, especially in the early mornings. Dasaratha, the King of Ayodhya, was an expert in the use of all kinds of war weapons. His capital was bedecked with the creations of all the artists, craftsmen and songsters, who showcased their creative best. The royal palace was adorned with phallic dhwajas or pennants and was protected by a hundred shataghnis.
For the women of the city, at places, there were theatre halls, gardens, mango orchards encircled by Sal forests. Tricky trenches surrounded the city in such a way that no enemy could attack it from the outside.
One cannot fail to notice an abundance of animals here with the noisy presence of horses, elephants, cows and camels.
Revenues and taxes, collected regularly from the subordinate kings, increased the beauty of Ayodhya a hundredfold.
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