From the ancient line of Bṛhadan arose Bṛhanta, and from Bṛhanta came Bṛhanmanas. Bṛhanmanas’ son was known as Bṛhaddhanu, whose son was Bṛhadiṣu. Bṛhadiṣu’s son was Jayadratha, and Jayadratha’s son was Aśvajit. Aśvajit’s son was Senajit, who was blessed with four sons celebrated across the world: Rucirāśva, Kāvya, King Dṛḍharatha, and Vatsa, also called Avartaka. King Vatsa became the ancestor of the Parivatsakas, while Rucirāśva’s heir was Pṛthusena, whose greatness was renowned. Pṛthusena’s son was Pauru, and from Pauru came Nīpa. Nīpa had a hundred sons, all brimming with immense energy. These kings were collectively known as Nīpas, and among them, the illustrious Kīrtivardhana was the founder of their lineage. Meanwhile, from Kāvya came a son named Samara, along with Sadeṣṭa and Samara. Samara had two sons, Pārasampa and Sadaśva, making three virtuous sons in total. All were renowned for their virtues. Pārasampa’s son was Pṛthu, and Pṛthu’s son was Sukṛta. Sukṛta’s son was Vibhrāja, who was endowed with every virtue, and Vibhrāja’s heir was Aṇuha, famed for his strength. Aṇuha became the son-in-law of the sage Śuka and husband to Kṛtvī, celebrated for her greatness. Their son was King Brahmadatta. Brahmadatta’s son was Yugadatta, and Viṣvaksena, renowned for his greatness, followed. Through virtuous deeds, Vibhrāja was born again in this lineage. Viṣvaksena’s son was Udaksena, whose son was Bhallāta, and Bhallāta’s son was Janamejaya. For Janamejaya’s sake, all the Nīpas were destroyed by Ugrāyudha. Curious, one asks: Of whom was Ugrāyudha the son, and in which lineage was he born? Why did he destroy all these kings? Ugrāyudha belonged to the Solar dynasty. He performed severe austerities at the hermitage of Varāśrama, standing steadfast for eight thousand years. Having been promised the kingdom, he attacked the kings. Though he spoke words of conciliation, he ultimately killed both parties. As he slew those who came to him, he declared, “Because my words were not heeded for the sake of protecting those who sought refuge, I now curse you.” He invoked the merit of his austerities, calling upon Yama to take them all away. Yet, out of compassion, he brought them before Yama. Overcome with great compassion, Ugrāyudha spoke to Janamejaya: “These heroes who have now departed, you ought to protect them for my sake.” He addressed the kings, declaring them sinners of evil conduct, destined to become Janamejaya’s servants. Thus, Janamejaya fought with Yama for a long time. Afflicted by terrible hellish diseases, Janamejaya overpowered the kings and Yama by force, and gave them to the sage—a wondrous event indeed. Pleased by this, Yama bestowed upon him the supreme knowledge of liberation. Having fulfilled all that was proper, they ultimately went to the imperishable Krishna. It is said: Whoever, having heard of these deeds, is killed, does not suffer untimely death; in this world and the next, he enjoys unending happiness. Now, to Ajamīḍha and Dhūminī was born the learned Yavīnara. His son was the steadfast Satyadhṛti, whose son was the mighty Dṛḍhanemi. Dṛḍhanemi’s son was the king Sudharmā, and Sudharmā’s son was Sārvabhauma, a mighty sovereign. Sārvabhauma became renowned as the sole ruler upon the earth, and in his illustrious lineage was born Mahāpaurava. Mahāpaurava’s son was the king Rukmaratha, and Rukmaratha’s son was Supārśva. Supārśva’s son was Sumati, righteous and virtuous, and Sumati’s son was the humble and righteous king Saṃnati. To Saṃnatimat was born a great son named Kṛta, disciple of the noble Kauśalya, the illustrious Hiraṇyanābha. By Hiraṇyanābha, the Sāma Saṃhitās were taught in twenty-four divisions. The Eastern Sāmans were composed by Kṛta, and their singers are known as Sāmagas. Kṛti was Ugrāyudha, the enhancer of the Mahāpaurava line; through his valor, he slew Pṛthuka’s father. There was a king named Nīla, lord of the Pāñcālas, obedient and heir to Ugrāyudha, and another of great renown named Kṣema. From Kṣema was born Sunītha; from Sunītha, Nṛpaṃjaya; and from Nṛpaṃjaya, Viratha—these are the Pauravas, who have been praised. From Ajamīḍha and Nīlinī was born King Nīla. Through intense austerity, Nīla brought forth Suśānti. Suśānti’s son was Purujānu, and from Purujānu came Pṛthu. Pṛthu’s son was Bhadrāśva, whose sons were Mudgala, Jaya, King Bṛhadiṣu, the valiant Javīnara, and Kapila as the fifth. These five are known as the Pāñcālas, the peoples and protectors of these regions. From Mudgala, through Maudgalya, were born twice-borns endowed with kṣatriya qualities; these Kāṇva-Mudgalas have taken refuge with the lineage of Aṅgiras. Mudgala’s son was most devoted to Brahman and of great fame; his son was Indrasena, and Indrasena’s son was Vindhyāśva. From Vindhyāśva, by Menakā, was born a pair: Divodāsa, the royal sage, and the illustrious Ahalyā. From Ahalyā, the heir of Śaradvat was born: the eminent sage Śatānanda, himself of great austerity. Thus shines the tapestry of these ancient lineages, their virtues and deeds echoing through the ages.