The Academy of Yoga and Oriental Studies (AYOS) organised a lecture on “Status of Sarathi in Ancient Indian Society” here on Saturday with AYOS director Dr Indulata Das as the speaker. The meeting was presided over by scholar S Sundar Rajan.
The meeting was attended by eminent scholars and important citizens like former OUAT Vice-Chancellor Prof DP Ray, former IPS officer Arun Kumar Upadhyaya, IAS officer SN Panigrahi and senior journalist Sugyan Chaudhury. Mihir Kumar Mishra welcomed the guests and the audience.
Dr Indulata Das said that in ancient Indian society, Sarathi was not a mere driver. He was an important officer of the king. Sumantra, the Sarathi of king Dasaratha, was highly qualified and was an economist. He was one of the eight illustrious ministers in Dasaratha’s court. He was the most important advisor of king Dasarath.
Sanjaya was the chariot driver of king Dhritarastra. He was bestowed with the supernatural eye (Divya Dristi) to see the Mahabharata war from a long distance and gave a running commentary of the war to the king.
Dr Das said a Sarathi in ancient India was a learned man who had good knowledge of geography, about various aspects of horses, their training and treatment. He had a good knowledge of good and bad omens. He was also well-versed in warfare. The status of Sarathi was never that of a lowly-paid employee with a low respect in the society. Even, lord Krishna and kings like Salya willingly opted for being chariot drivers in battles.
There was a question-answer session after the lecture in which the audience participated with enthusiasm. Sundar Rajan in his presidential address said Sarathi had great contribution for the society. Even, winning or losing a battle was sometimes decided by the movement and behaviour of the Sarathi.