What is the capital city of King Dasharatha?

The capital city of King Dasharatha in the Ramayana is Ayodhya.

Ayodhya is described in the epic as the capital of Kosala and the seat of the Ikshvaku, or Solar, dynasty. King Dasharatha rules from there, and the city is also the birthplace and royal home of his son Rama. Its name is often interpreted as “unconquerable” or “not to be fought.”

The city is the setting for the Ramayana’s opening political crisis. Dasharatha intends to install Rama as heir, but Queen Kaikeyi invokes two old promises and demands that Bharata receive the throne while Rama spends 14 years in exile. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana leave Ayodhya, beginning the journey that leads to Sita’s abduction and the war with Ravana.

After the defeat of Ravana, Rama returns to Ayodhya and is crowned king. This return is associated with Diwali in many traditions and symbolizes the restoration of rightful rule. The epic city should not be confused with Hastinapura, the capital associated with the Mahabharata’s Kuru dynasty, or with Kashi and Mathura, other major sacred cities.

Some historical sources distinguish ancient Saketa and Ayodhya, while later traditions and texts identify them closely; that distinction does not change the Ramayana answer.