Maybe you should consider calling Rishyashringa to Mithila,’ was the advice Janaka received often enough. Since the arrival of Sita, his wife, Sunaina, had given birth to a daughter who was named Urmila, and his brother, Kusha-dhvaja, had become father of two daughters, Mandavi and Shrutakirti. Four daughters to two brothers in the land of Videha, but no sons!

Janaka would respond, ‘The Earth grants Janaka what he deserves. The fire grants Dashratha what he wants. I choose the destiny of daughters. He submits to the desire of sons.’ Word of this reached a woman called Sulabha. In beautiful attire, in beautiful form, she approached the king and demanded a private audience with him.