Anaṅga (Ananga), a descendant of Kardama Prajāpati (Prajapati), was a king well-versed in political science. Atibala was his son and bearer of his legacy. Mahābhārata (Mahabharata) identifies him as nītimān (nitiman). There is scope to discuss whether this usage of the term serves as an adjective or as a proper noun.

The word nītimān literally means ‘knowledgeable in nītiśāstra (nitishastra; political ethics). Politics in general has been numerously referred to as nīti (niti) in Mahābhārata and other mythological texts. Viably the word has been used as an adjective of King Atibala in Mahābhārata because political science and political ethics are central topics of discussion in the part of Śāntiparva (Santiparva) where he is mentioned.

On the other hand, the translation of Mahābhārata by Haridas Siddhantabagish mentions the son of Anaṅga as Nītimān and uses atibala as his adjective (the term literally means ‘immensely strong’). However, the authenticity of this translation appears debatable.

King Atibala, well-versed in political ethics and political science, commanded over a vast kingdom, but gradually sunk deep in a life of hedonism.