Shanti

THE LIVING ARCHIVE

About Shanti

Ajamidha is his grandfather, and Nilini is the mother of his father Nila. After Shanti, the family continues through Sushanti, Purujanu and Chakshu. Haryashva and his five sons belong to the later generations of this same branch.

AT A GLANCE

Identity & Context

Identity: King
Form: Panchala Royal House
Tradition: Puranic Royal Genealogy

Family & Relationships

ParentNila
Nila is the parent of Shanti.
ChildSushanti
Shanti is the parent of Sushanti.

IN THE TRADITION

Recorded Context

Before the Five Panchala Brothers

Haryashva’s five sons are remembered as protectors of the countries, an explanation attached to the name Panchala. Shanti lives earlier in their ancestry: his son Sushanti is followed by Purujanu and Chakshu before Haryashva’s household appears.

One of the five brothers is Mudgala. His branch eventually reaches Somaka, whose youngest son Prishata becomes the father of Drupada. Through these later descendants, Shanti’s family forms part of the background to Draupadi and Dhrishtadyumna’s stories.

ROLE & ESSENCE

Attributes & Significance

Shanti belongs to the ancestry shared by the Panchala families. The family later includes both royal descendants and the learned Maudgalya line associated with Mudgala, rather than only the direct Kuru succession.

Role

Shanti is the son of Nila and the father of Sushanti in the older ancestry of Panchala. He belongs to the human royal line descending from Ajamidha and Nilini.

TRADITION & MEANING

Traditions & Interpretations

The Bhagavata also gives Nila, Shanti and Sushanti in the corresponding succession, although some later names differ. Those adjoining relationships identify a person, not merely the general Sanskrit word for peace.