The sūta (“equerries”) were members of the king’s guard (Atharva Veda 3.5.7, Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa 3.4.1.7, Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad 4.3.37) standing in seniority between the king’s brother and a village headman (ŚB 5.4.4.17). Later texts say they led the cavalry. They bore quivers of arrows (ŚB 13.4.2.4), which fits their punishment.