9.3. The character of Sumantra

Sumantra, the charioteer of Rāma is rather a minor character in the Hanumannāṭaka In the Rāmāyaṇa also, Sumantra is found driving the chariot to the bank of the river Ganges. When Daśaratha decides to accord the status of heir apparent to Rāma, Sumantra announces this news to the subjects of Ayodhyā.^[1] He was ordered by Lakṣmaṇa to control the reins of the chariot. In the Kundamālā, Diṅnāga, presents this scene nicely. Sītā informs that her body is seized with a kremor owing to the fast dash of horses. She is unable to hold herself firmly. So, Lakṣmaṇa ordered Sumantra: “let an effort be made to restrain the horses”.^[2] Sumantra replies that effort is being made but the horses, fond of music, defy it.^[3] He again says that these horses are greatly attracted by the strains of the swans, pouring lightly into their ears, gallop all the more swiftly, unheedful of the pull of the reins.^[4] Sumantra uses Sanskrit language in his speech. Sumantra obeys all the duties according to his master. This character is present in the 1^st part of the 3^rd Act only.