Who was the king of the vanaras before Sugriva?

Vali was the king of the vanaras before his younger brother Sugriva in the Ramayana.

Also called Bali, Vali ruled the vanara kingdom of Kishkindha and was renowned for extraordinary physical power. He was the elder brother of Sugriva, the husband of Tara, and the father of Angada. In many accounts, Vali’s strength was enhanced by a divine pendant associated with his father, Indra.

The brothers became enemies after Vali pursued the demon Mayavi into a cave. Sugriva waited outside, saw blood emerge, and concluded that Vali had died. He sealed the cave and reluctantly accepted the throne. Vali eventually returned, interpreted Sugriva’s actions as betrayal, and drove him into exile.

Sugriva later allied with Rama, promising help in the search for Sita. Rama killed Vali during a duel between the brothers, after which Sugriva recovered Kishkindha’s throne. Angada, Vali’s son, remained important to Rama’s campaign and served as a leading vanara prince.