anuyātrika

 In Sanskrit, "Anuyātrika" (अनुयात्रिक) generally means a follower, attendant, companion, or member of a retinue.

Definition and Etymology

The term Anuyātrika is derived from anu (अनु) meaning "following" 

and yātrika (यात्रिक) meaning "traveler" or "one who goes on a journey." 

Thus, etymologically, it signifies someone who follows along, often 

serving as an attendant or companion

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Grammatically, Anuyātrika is masculine (anuyātrikaḥ, अनुयात्रिकः)

and can be used both in singular and plural forms. It is employed

in classical Sanskrit literature to designate:

• A follower or attendant accompanying a person of status or importance.
• A servant or retainer who is part of a personal or ceremonial entourage.
• More broadly, a companion or someone who goes along with a
• group during a journey or mission

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Usage in Classical Texts

• Śākuntala by Kālidāsa mentions the term in the sense of a follower
• accompanying someone on a journey

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• Mālatīmādhava and Uttararāmacarita use it to refer to attendants 
• or men belonging to a retinue

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• The definitions emphasize both literal usage (following on a journey) 
• and figurative usage (belonging to a retinue or acting as a
• companion) in Sanskrit literature

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Summary

• Literal meaning: Follower, attendant, companion.
• Grammatical form: Masculine noun/adjective (anuyātrikaḥ).
• Derived from: "anu" (following) + "yātrika" (traveler).
• Contexts of use: Hindu texts, Sanskrit plays, epics, and literary 
• works where it denotes attendants, companions, or members 
• of a retinue

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This term is foundational in understanding social or hierarchical 

relationships in classical Sanskrit literature, reflecting the dynamics 

of retinues and followers in Indian cultural and literary contexts.