In days long past, there lived a master of archery named Satyadhṛti, whose skill and knowledge were renowned. From him came Śukra, a righteous and unfailing soul. Satyadhṛti’s seed, once fallen and seen by an apsaras in the water, led to the miraculous conception of a pair in that lake. As these children moved within the waters, King Śaṃtanu, who was out hunting, beheld them. Moved by compassion, he took them up and cared for them. These children became known as the sons of Śaradvat, celebrated among the Gautamas. Now, let us turn to the descendants of Divodāsa. His heir was Mitrayu, a righteous king and foremost among the Maitrāyaṇas, from whom Maitreya was born. Thus, the sage’s line continued, including the Bhārgavas who took up the duties of kṣatriyas, and the king Caidyavara, remembered as Maitreya’s son. Caidyavara’s son was Sudāsa, learned and wise. In time, Ajamīḍha was born again, and when the lineage declined, Somaka arose. Somaka’s son was Jantu. When Jantu was slain, a hundred sons of the great-souled Ajamīḍha and Somaka flourished, continuing the line. Ajamīḍha’s queen, Dhūminī, longed deeply for a son. For one hundred years, she undertook severe austerities, offering oblations into the sacred fire and purifying her food, steadfast in her vow and sleeping as prescribed by the agnihotra rites. Into Dhūminī, whose complexion was smoky, Ajamīḍha entered, and she gave birth to Ṛkṣa, also called Dhūmavarṇa, the eldest of a hundred sons. Ṛkṣa’s son was Saṃvaraṇa, and from Saṃvaraṇa came Kuru. After crossing Prayāga, Kuru established the sacred land of Kurukṣetra. The great king Kuru cultivated this land for many years, and while doing so, Indra, fearing Kuru’s devotion, granted him a boon. Kurukṣetra became renowned as a sacred and delightful place, and Kuru’s vast lineage came to be known as 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 King Kṛmi, who understood the essence of dharma and artha. Kṛmi, born from Ṛkṣa and a great ascetic, fathered Vibhu, renowned for his valor and might, equal to Indra. Another branch tells of the heroic Caidyoparicara, called Vasus, who dwelled in the sky. From Caidyoparicara was born Girikā, who had seven sons: the great chariot-warrior, King Bṛhadratha of Magadha; Pratyaśravā; Kuśa; Harivāhana; Yaju; Matsya; and Kālī. Bṛhadratha’s heir was Kuśāgra, renowned by name, whose own son was Vṛṣabha, mighty in strength. Vṛṣabha’s heir was Puṇyavān, a virtuous king, whose son Puṇya became King Satyadhṛti. Satyadhṛti’s heir was Dhanu, and from Dhanu came Sarva. Sarva’s son was Sambhava, and from him came King Bṛhadratha. Bṛhadratha was born in two fragments, which were joined together by the being Jarā. Because he was thus joined, he became known as Jarāsaṃdha. Jarāsaṃdha, of great strength, conquered all the kṣatriyas. His son was Sahadeva, renowned for his prowess; Sahadeva’s son was the illustrious Somavit, a great ascetic. From Somavit’s line, the Māgadhas are celebrated. Jahnu begot a son named Suratha, a ruler of the earth. Suratha’s heir was the valiant king Viduratha, whose son was Sarvabhauma. Sarvabhauma’s son was Jayatsena, and Jayatsena’s son was Rucira. From Rucira came Bhauma, and then Tvaritayu. Akrodhana, son of Ayus, fathered Devatithi, whose heir was Daksha. From Daksha came Bhimasena, and Dilipa was his son. Pratipa was the son of Dilipa, and he is remembered for having three sons: Devapi, Shantanu, and Vahlika. Vahlika’s heirs were seven kings of Vahli, but Devapi, rejected by the people due to his affliction with leprosy, became a sage. Why was Devapi rejected? The people spoke of his affliction, and so did not honor him. Now, let us hear the story of Shantanu. Shantanu became king, learned and a great healer. It is said that whoever he touched with his hands, whether aged or ill, would become young again. Thus, he was known as Shantanu, and this quality is praised among the people. Desiring a wife, Shantanu chose Jahnavi. By her, the illustrious son Devavrata was born. Kali bore a son named Vichitravirya to Dashini. To Shantanu was born a beloved son, pure in mind and free from sin, named Krishna Dvaipayana, in the field of Vichitravirya. He begot Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidura. Dhritarashtra begot a hundred sons by Gandhari, among whom Duryodhana was the foremost, lord of all the Kshatriyas. Pandu’s wives were Madri and Kunti. Thus, the noble line of kings and sages flourished, each generation carrying forward the legacy of righteousness, valor, and wisdom.