Kaunteya

Son of Kuntī, epithet of Arjuna. A patronymic that emphasizes matrilineal descent, reflecting the importance of Kuntī — the Pāṇḍava queen and mother of the three eldest Pāṇḍava brothers.

Kṛṣṇa addresses Arjuna as Kauñteya throughout the Gītā, invoking both affection and the inherited virtues of his mother’s line. Kuntī was known for her wisdom, resilience, and unwavering adherence to dharma.

The matronymic usage stands in contrast to paternal epithets like Pārtha (son of Pṛthā/Kuntī), creating a texture of multiple identifications through which Kṛṣṇa continuously reminds Arjuna of his lineage, duty, and identity.