Page 57 - Śrī Pañcatantra - Eng

names of Characters in the Pañcatantra

The names of the characters who form the tales of Pañcatantra
are explained below. Our feeling is that some of the names of
these personalities have been forgotten over time as they are
not found in the manuscripts that are available today. Thus, for
the sake of the flow of the story we have given names to a few
nameless characters according to their personalities. Those
who we have given names to are identified in the following
list by an asterisk.

Background of the Pañcatantra
Amaraśakti [one whose power is immortal]—a king in Mahilāropyam
who entrusted his three princes to Paṇḍita Viṣṇuśarmā.
Bahuśakti [one of great power]—one of the dull-witted princes,
son of King Amaraśakti.
Anantaśakti [one whose power is unlimited]—one of the dull-
witted princes, son of King Amaraśakti.
Ugraśakti [one of terrifying power]—one of the dull-witted princes,
son of King Amaraśakti.
Sumati [wise]—one of the ministers of King Amaraśakti who
suggests Paṇḍita Viṣṇuśarmā as the competent teacher for the
princes.
First Tantra

Introduction
Vardhamānaka [one who increases his wealth]—son of a wealthy
merchant.
Sañjīvaka [one who invigorates]—one of Vardhamānaka’s bulls.
Nandaka [one who gives joy]—another of Vardhamānaka’s bulls.
Piṅgalaka [the tawny one]—a lion.

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