From the illustrious Ṛṣabha was born Bharata, the heroic eldest among a hundred sons. To Bharata, his father entrusted the southern region known as Himāhva. Bharata himself had a son, Sumati by name, renowned for his learning and righteousness. When the time came, Bharata transferred his royal glory to Sumati and, having fulfilled his worldly duties, entered the forest in pursuit of higher aims. In this noble lineage, Tejasa’s son was the learned Indradyumna, who became widely known for his wisdom. From Indradyumna’s line arose Pratīhāra, and it is from him that the family took its name. The lineage continued: Unnetā was born to Pratīhāra, and Bhūmā was recognized as Unnetā’s son. Prastāva’s son was Vibhu, and Vibhu’s son was Pṛthu. The lineage flourished further: Gaya’s son was Nara, and from Nara was born Virāṭ. The wise Mahān was the son of Mahat, and Bhauvana was the son of Mahān. Rajā was born to Virajas, and from Rajas came Śatajid. These great ones, headed by Viśvajyotis, were those by whom the peoples of the earth were multiplied. From those born in their line, the land of Bhārata was once enjoyed in its fullness. The kings who have passed away, together with the ages in which they lived, are all descendants of this noble line. Thus, the creation of living beings is recounted—those by whom the world was filled. Their creation is declared, evolving together with the passage of the ages. At this point, a question was put to the sage Sūta about the full extent of the earth: “How many regions are there, and which rivers are remembered among them? Please tell us all this in detail, exactly as it is.” Sūta replied, “Well then, I shall explain to you the expanse of the earth. There are a thousand divisions of islands, contained within seven great ones. I will describe for you these seven islands, along with the moon, sun, and planets. Indeed, those ultimate realities which are inconceivable cannot be established by reasoning alone. I will accurately describe the nine regions of Jambūdvīpa.” He continued, “Jambūdvīpa measures one hundred thousand yojanas all around. It is crowded with Siddhas and Cāraṇas and adorned with magnificent mountains. Rivers, originating from these mountains, surround it on all sides. The whole land is encircled by nine worlds, which are the abodes of various beings. The expanse of Jambūdvīpa is equal on all sides. To the east and west, it is immersed in the waters of the Masudra. “In all seasons, the great mountain Niṣadha is pleasant. At its summit, it stretches thirty-two thousand yojanas. Its sides are of various colors and endowed with the qualities of Prajāpati. Its eastern side is white, and because of this, a Brāhmaṇa dwells there. Its Kṣatriya nature arises from Meru for various reasons. On the west, the mountain is covered like the wings of a bee. By its own nature, it is said to be circular in both color and measure. Its color resembles that of a peacock’s plume, and it is golden and crowned with peaks. The inner diameter of these peaks is said to be nine thousand yojanas, and thus, on all sides, it is spread to nine thousand.” In this way, the sage revealed the glorious lineage of kings and the wondrous geography of the earth, as remembered in the sacred tradition.