Parthasarathy

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Parthasarathy (sometimes spelled Parthasarathi) is an ancient name in India, found in the Indian epic Mahabharatha.

The name is actually a combination of two words, Partha and sarathy.

Partha is the name by which Arjuna, the great archer among the Pandavas, is referred to by Lord Krishna. Partha is advised by Lord Krishna, his charioteer, to proceed with the Mahabharatha War against his cousins, the Kauravas.

Sarathy means charioteer in the Sanskrit language. During Mahabharatha, warriors were classified as Rathis (foot warriors), Athi Rathis (elephant-riding warriors), and Maha Rathis (chariot warriors). A Sarathy is the charioteer for a Maha Rathi. Hence Parthasarathy means the charioteer of Partha, that is, Lord Krishna.

Parthasarathy is a common name among Indians, especially Bengalis. Although it is a Sanskrit word coined by North Indian Aryans, it is also a common name among the South Indian Dravidians). There is a general confusion among Indians as to whether a person who assumes this name is an Aryan or a Dravidian.