 Satyavati is known by numerous names in the Mahabharata , among them Daseyi , Gandhakali , Gandhavati , Kali , Matysyagandha , Satya , Vasavi and Yojanagandha . The name " Daseyi " – a term often used by her stepson Bhishma used to address her – means one of the Dasas ( slaves ) , or a Dasa aboriginal princess . Vasavi means " daughter of king Vasu " . Her birth name , Kali ( the dark one ) , indicates her dark complexion . Her other birth name , Satyavati , means " truthful " ; satya means " veracity " . As noted above , she was also known as Matsyagandha or Matsyagandhi in her earlier life – and Gandhakali ( " fragrant dark one " ) , Gandhavati and Yojanagandha in later life . 
