Bharata was the youngest brother of Lord Rama, and the son of Emperor Dasaratha and Kaikeyi of the Solar Dynasty. It is said that after Rama, he was the symbol of dharma and idealism. As a matter of fact, there are a few commentators who deem Bharata to be even greater than Lord Rama himself in virtue.
Birth
Bharata is the youngest of the four sons of Dasaratha. Although the Ramayana describes all four brothers as loving and devoted to one another, Bharata is closer to Shatrughna as Lakshmana is closer to Rama.
Exile of Rama
The Ramayana relates how Kaikeyi tricked the king into promising to put Bharatha on the throne of Ayodhya and banish Rama into exile.
Bharata's response
Bharata, upon learning of the exile of Rama, is mortified. He immediately declares his intention of bringing Rama back from the forests, and if need be serving out his exile for him. When the people of Ayodhya and the numerous allies of Rama learn of this, the scorned and hated prince is immediately made immortal in fame to the world by his selflessness, honor for his family's fame and tradition, adherence to truth and righteousness and last but not least, love for his older brother.
Bharata's Guru Vasishta states that no one had better learned the lessons of dharma than Bharata.
King of Ayodhya
After delivering the painful news of their father's death to Rama and Lakshmana, Bharata fights in vain to convince Rama to return, or allow himself to stay with him. When both Rama and the Guru Vashistha say that this would be unrighteous, Bharata leaves in bitter disappointment.
The people support Bharata as he becomes the king of Kosala and Ayodhya, but Bharata himself puts Rama's sandals at the foot of the royal throne, and does not sit upon the throne or crown himself.
Bharata's reign is righteous, and the kingdom is safe and prosperous, but Bharata continously pines for Rama's return. During this time he doesn't forgive his mother Kaikeyi, and diligently serves Kousalya, Rama's mother, and Sumitra, Lakshmana's mother.
Return of Rama
But upon Rama's return to Ayodhya fourteen years later, Bharata leads the procession to greet the rightful king and queen, and his brother Lakshmana. Although Rama first intends to crown Lakshmana the Yuvaraja, or Crown Prince after his own coronation, Lakshmana points out that Bharata's great virtues and years of experience as Ayodhya's king qualify him better, and thus he is immediately made Yuvaraja by Rama.
Retirement
When Rama decides to retire, Bharata and Shatrughna join him. When Rama walks into the river Sarayu, he transforms into his eternal and original Mahavishnu form, into which Bharata and Shatrughna walk and unite with.