Yama, pleased with the earnest seeker before him, bestowed the supreme knowledge of liberation. Having fulfilled all that was proper and right, they journeyed to the imperishable Krishna. It is said that whoever hears of their deeds and is slain does not suffer an untimely death; instead, in this world and the next, he enjoys unending happiness. From Ajamīḍha and Dhūminī was born Yavīnara, a learned soul. His son was Satyadhṛti, steadfast and wise, and Satyadhṛti’s son was the mighty Dṛḍhanemi. Dṛḍhanemi’s son was Sudharmā, a king of great virtue. Sudharmā’s son was Sārvabhauma, a sovereign renowned for his might, who became the sole ruler of the earth. In Sārvabhauma’s illustrious lineage was born Mahāpaurava. Mahāpaurava’s son was Rukmaratha, a king of noble fame, whose son was Supārśva. Supārśva’s son was Sumati, righteous and virtuous, and Sumati’s son was Saṃnati, a humble and just king. Saṃnatimat, from this line, had a great son named Kṛta. Kṛta became a disciple of the noble Kauśalya, the illustrious Hiraṇyanābha. Kṛta taught the Sāma Saṃhitās in twenty-four divisions; he composed the Eastern Sāmans, and the singers here are called Sāmagas. Kṛta’s successor was Ugrāyudha, known for his valor and as an enhancer of the Mahāpaurava line. By his strength, Ugrāyudha slew the father of Pṛthuka. There was also a king named Nīla, lord of the Pāñcālas, obedient and heir to Ugrāyudha, and another of great renown named Kṣema. From Kṣema came Sunītha; from Sunītha, Nṛpaṃjaya; and from Nṛpaṃjaya, Viratha—these are the Pauravas, praised in tradition. From Ajamīḍha and Nīlinī was born another king, Nīla. Through intense austerity, Nīla brought forth Suśānti. Suśānti’s son was Purujānu; Purujānu’s son was Pṛthu, whose son was Bhadrāśva. Bhadrāśva had five sons: Mudgala, Jaya, King Bṛhadiṣu, the valiant Javīnara, and Kapila. These five are known as the Pāñcālas, protectors of their regions. From Mudgala, through the line of Maudgalya, were born twice-borns endowed with kṣatriya qualities. These Kāṇva-Mudgalas took refuge with the lineage of Aṅgiras. Mudgala’s son was devoted to Brahman and renowned; his son was Indrasena, and Indrasena’s son was Vindhyāśva. From Vindhyāśva, by Menakā, were born a pair: Divodāsa, the royal sage, and the illustrious Ahalyā. From Ahalyā, heir to Śaradvat, was born the eminent sage Śatānanda, himself of great austerity. Śatānanda’s son was Satyadhṛti, master of the science of archery. From Satyadhṛti came Śukra, unfailing and righteous. Once, Satyadhṛti’s seed fell into water and was seen by an apsaras; there, in that lake, a pair was conceived. As this pair moved in the lake, King Śaṃtanu, out hunting, saw them and, moved by compassion, took them up. These are the sons of Śaradvat, renowned among the Gautamas. Now, hear further of the descendants of Divodāsa. Divodāsa’s heir was Mitrayu, the righteous king, foremost of the Maitrāyaṇas. From Mitrayu was born Maitreya. These are the descendants of the sage, belonging to his line, and the Bhārgavas who took up kṣatriya duties. The king Caidyavara, son of Maitreya, was remembered for his wisdom. From Caidyavara came Sudāsa, learned and noble. Ajamīḍha was born again, and when the line declined, Somaka arose. Somaka’s son was Jantu; when Jantu was slain, a hundred sons of the great-souled Ajamīḍha and Somaka flourished. Dhūminī, queen of Ajamīḍha, longed for a son and undertook severe austerities for one hundred years in the absence of a child. She offered oblations into the fire according to prescribed rites, purified her food, and remained steadfast in her vow, sleeping as prescribed by the agnihotra procedure. Into Dhūminī, whose complexion was smoky, Ajamīḍha entered, and she gave birth to Ṛkṣa, called Dhūmavarṇa, the eldest of a hundred. From Ṛkṣa was born Saṃvaraṇa; from Saṃvaraṇa, Kuru, who, after crossing Prayāga, established Kurukṣetra. King Kuru cultivated the land for many years, and while he was cultivating, Indra, out of fear, granted him a boon. Thus, Kurukṣetra became renowned as sacred and delightful, and his vast lineage is known by his name: the Kauravas. Kuru’s beloved sons were Sudhanvan, Jahnu, Parīkṣit of great splendor, and Prajana, the crusher of foes. Sudhanvan’s heir was Cyavana, foremost among the wise; Cyavana’s son was Kṛmi, who understood the essence of dharma and artha. Cyavana’s son, born from Ṛkṣa, was Kṛmi, a great ascetic; Kṛmi’s son was Vibhu, renowned as equal to Indra in might and valor. The heroic Caidyoparicara, called Vasus, dwelled in the sky. From Caidyoparicara was born Girikā, who had seven sons: the great chariot-warrior and king of Magadha, Bṛhadratha; Pratyaśravā; Kuśa; Harivāhana; Yaju; Matsya; and Kālī. Bṛhadratha’s heir was Kuśāgra, renowned by name. Such is the lineage, rich with wisdom, valor, and dharma, that flourished and shaped the history of the earth.