For the protection and guidance of his five sons, their father gathered them and spoke with affection and wisdom, “Know these five, each blessed with flourishing realms.” Their guardianship was deemed sufficient, and they became renowned as the illustrious Pañcālas. From Mudgala, a noble line arose—the Maudgalyas—who, though twice-born, bore the valor of kṣatriyas. Among the Angirasas, those who sought refuge among the Kaṇṭhas became known as the Mudghalas. The eldest son of Mudgala shone with supreme Vedic learning and great fame. From Indrasenā, who conceived, Badhyaśva was born; and from Badhyaśva came twins, known as Menakā, as tradition tells. Within this line, Divodāsa emerged—a royal sage of great renown—and the illustrious Ahalyā. Ahalyā bore a son to Śāradvat, who became his heir. This son, Śatānanda, was foremost among sages, and his own son, steadfast in truth and famed as Satyadhṛti, mastered the science of archery. One day, Satyadhṛti beheld an apsaras before him, and his seed fell upon a clump of reeds, where it took root. Out of compassion, Śantanu, who was passing by on a hunt, discovered the child and took him up. This child became known as Kṛpa, and from him also came Gautamī, called Kṛpī. These, the descendants of Śāradvat, are known as the Ṛtathyas of the Gautama lineage. Turning now to the line of Divodāsa: his heir was Mitrayu, a king supremely learned in the Vedas. From Maitreya was born Smṛta, counted among this noble line. They, too, joined this lineage and became Bhārgavas with kṣatriya ties. From them was born the learned king Cyavana, and from Cyavana came Pratiratha. From Cyavana’s line, Sudāsa was born, wise and celebrated, whose sons were Saudāsa, Sahadeva, and Somaka. When the lineage waned, Ajamīḍha was reborn; his son was Somaka, and to this noble king Somaka were born a hundred sons. Among these, the youngest was Pṛṣata, the grandfather of Drupada. Pṛṣata’s son was Dhṛṣṭadyumna, and his son was Dhṛṣṭaketu. Ajamīḍha’s chief queen, Dhūminī, was blessed with sons. In her next birth, she performed severe austerities for a hundred years, remaining pure, subsisting on little food, and ever wakeful by the sacrificial fire. She slept only on kuśa grass, day and night. From her, in the form of Dhūmravarṇā, the mighty Ajamīḍha was born again. Upon Dhūmravarṇā, he begot Ṛkṣa, elder brother of Sitā. From Ṛkṣa was born Saṃvaraṇa, and from Saṃvaraṇa came Kuru. Kuru, having reached Prayāga, established Kurukṣetra, and with great energy, ploughed the land for many years. As he worked, Indra appeared and granted him a boon, making the land sacred and delightful, frequented by the virtuous. The descendants of Kuru, renowned as the Kurus, were foremost among kings. Among Kuru’s beloved sons were Sudhanvan and Jahnu. Parikṣit was a great king, and his son was Arimardana. Sudhanvan’s heir was Suhotra, remembered for his wisdom. Cyavana was his son, a king skilled in righteousness and wealth. Cyavana’s son was Kṛta, who performed great austerities and sacrifices. Kṛta fathered a famous son, Vasu, a hero and friend of Indra, who moved through the sky and was known as Vidyoparicara. By his queen Girikā, Vidyoparicara had seven sons: Mahāratha, Bhagadhara, the renowned Bṛhadratha, Pratyagraha, Kuśa (also called Maṇivāhana), Māthailya, Lalittha, and Matsyakāla. Bṛhadratha’s heir was the famous Kuśāgra, whose son was Ṛṣabha, known for his strength. Ṛṣabha’s heir was Puṣpavān, righteous in conduct, and Puṣpavān’s son was the valiant king Satyahita. Satyahita’s son was Sudhanvan, and from him came Ūrjja, renowned for his prowess. Ūrjja’s son was Nabhasa, from whom was born a mighty child. This child was born in two halves, but joined together by the force of age, he became Jarāsandha, mighty of arms. Jarāsandha, of immense strength, was the conqueror of all kṣatriyas. His son was Sahadeva, famed for his prowess. Sahadeva’s son was the illustrious Somādhi, a man of great austerity, from whom came Śrutaśru, known as a Māgadha. From Parikṣit came Janamejaya, and from Śrutasena came Bhīmasena. Jahnu begot a son named Suratha, ruler of the earth, whose heir was the heroic king Vidūratha. Vidūratha’s son was Sārvabhauma, whose son was Jayatsena, and Jayatsena’s son was Ārādhita. Ārādhita, spirited and renowned, was known as Ayutāyu. His son was Akrodhana, and from him came Devātithi. Devātithi’s heir was Ṛkṣa. From Ṛkṣa was born Bhīmasena, and his son was Dilīpa. Dilīpa’s son was Pratipa, who had three sons: Devāpi, Śantanu, and Bāhlīka. The king of Bahlika was lord of seven Bahlikas, and his son was the great Somadatta. Somadatta’s sons were Bhuri, Bhurishravas, and Shala. Devapi, seeking righteousness, departed to the forest, dedicating himself to the path of dharma.