#033, Billion are for Dasaratha's father-in-law

Bharata's maternal grandfather was Asvapati. His uncle's name was Yudhaajit. During Ramayana days, kings valued horses immensely. When Das`aratha passed away, Bharata and S`atrughna were in Rajagriha, the Capital of Keekaya kingdom. Ayodhya was left without a king. The Royal Priest Vasisht`ha sent soldiers on horseback to Rajagriha to fetch Bharata and S`atrughna. On hearing the message, Bharata started to Ayodhya.

Now, let us see some verses from Valmiki Ramayana.

2-70-5 (BOOK 2, BOOK OF AYODHYA, AYOODHYA KAAND`A), CHAPTER 70, VERSE 5.

Atra vims`ati kot`yaha tu nripateer maatulasya tee
Dasha koot`yaha tu sampuurn`aaha tathaiva ca nripa aatmaja.

GIST
"Oh Prince! Of these valuable gifts, 100 crore (a billion) are for the king (Keekaya) and 10 crore (100 million) are for the maternal uncle (of Bharata).

BLOGGER'S VIEWS
The billion and the 100 billion are mind boggling. There may be hyperbole. Or the Royal Priest might have wanted to have good relations with the Keekaya King. But how much the Keekaya King is giving as gifts through his nephew? : Just 2,000 gold coins.

2-70-20 (BOOK 2, BOOK OF AYODHYA, AYOODHYA KAAND`A), CHAPTER 70, VERSE 20.

Rukma Nishka sahasree dvee shod`as`a as`va s`ataani ca
Satkritya Kaikeyii putram Keekayoo dhanam aadis`at.

GIST
The Keekaya King ordered gifts of 2,000 gold coins and 1,600 horses to the sons of Kaikeeyi.

BLOGGER'S VIEW
Why did the Keekaya king gift horses in such large quantities? We can deduce that he was expecting that there would be a battle for succession in Ayodhya between Bharata and Rama in future.