Jarāsandha, powerful beyond compare, stood as the conqueror of all Kṣatriyas. His son, Sahadeva, inherited not only his father’s strength but also his renown in battle. Sahadeva’s lineage continued with his illustrious son, Somādhi, a man of great austerity. From Somādhi came Śrutaśru, who was known among the Māgadhas. In another royal line, Parikṣit’s heir was Janamejaya, while Śrutasena’s son was Bhīmasena, so named for his might. Jahnu, a noble ancestor, begot Suratha, who ruled the earth with virtue, and Suratha’s son was the heroic Vidūratha. From Vidūratha was born Sārvabhauma, whose own son was Jayatsena, and Jayatsena’s son was Ārādhita, a man of great spirit, who was also called Ayutāyu. Ayutāyu’s son was Akrodhana, and from Akrodhana came Devātithi. Devātithi’s heir was Ṛkṣa, from whom was born another Bhīmasena, and then his son, Dilīpa. Dilīpa’s son was Pratipa, who had three sons remembered by all: Devāpi, Śantanu, and Bāhlīka. Bāhlīka became the lord of the seven Bahlikas, and his son was the great Somadatta. From Somadatta came three sons—Bhuri, Bhurishravas, and Shala—each renowned in their own right. Devāpi, seeking righteousness, departed to the forest, where he became a sage and preceptor of the gods. His sons were Cyavana and Ishtaka, both souls of great merit. Meanwhile, Śantanu ascended the throne, famed for his wisdom and healing powers. It was said that anyone, even aged, whom King Śantanu touched, would become young again. Thus, Śantanu’s fame spread far and wide. Śantanu, the righteous king, married Jahnavi, and from her was born Devavrata, better known as Bhishma, the revered grandsire of the Pandavas. In time, Śantanu also fathered Vichitravirya, beloved by the people. When Vichitravirya died childless, Krishna Dvaipayana, the sage Vyasa, begot sons in his lineage: Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidura. Dhritarashtra’s wife, Gandhari, bore him a hundred sons, the eldest of whom was Duryodhana, lord among the Kshatriyas. Pandu had two wives, Madri and Pritha (Kunti). By divine blessing, sons were born to Pandu: Yudhishthira from Dharma, Vrikodara (Bhima) from Vayu, Dhananjaya (Arjuna) from Indra—whose valor rivaled Shakra himself—and Nakula and Sahadeva from the twin Ashvins, born to Madri. From the Pandavas, five sons were born to Draupadi: the eldest, Shrutavidha, was Yudhishthira’s son. Bhimasena, with Hidimba, fathered Ghatotkacha; with Kashya, he fathered Sarvavrika. Vijaya (Arjuna), son of Madri, begot Suhotra. Sahadeva, with Vaideya, had Niramitra and Langali. Arjuna, with Subhadra, fathered the valiant Abhimanyu. From Abhimanyu and Uttara, daughter of King Virata, was born Parikshit. Parikshit’s heir was King Janamejaya, who established the Brahmins of the Vajasaneya tradition. Yet, in the course of events, resentment arose. Vaisampayana declared, “Your words, O foolish one, shall not endure unchallenged. As long as I am in this world, they will not be praised; even after I am gone, so it shall be for Janamejaya.” After worshipping Prajapati with a full-moon offering and understanding the Lord’s will, Vaisampayana departed, witnessing the destruction that occurred at the sacrifice. Janamejaya, son of Parikshit, performed the horse sacrifice twice and established the Vajasaneyi tradition. With three horse sacrifices, he set forth the Brahma, but in doing so, he diminished the chief horses, the women-dwellers, and the people of the central region. Afflicted and cursed by the Brahmins, Janamejaya met his end. His son, Shatanika, powerful and true in valor, was consecrated by the Brahmins. Shatanika’s son was Ashvamedhadatta, vigorous and full of energy. From Ashvamedhadatta came Parapuramjaya, and now, Adhisamakrishna, righteous and renowned, rules the land, under whose reign the present sacrifice has been accomplished. This difficult and lengthy sacrifice, lasting three years, was performed for two years at Kurukshetra and on the banks of the Drishadvati, O best of the twice-born. Then, the sages spoke: “O wise one, we wish to hear of the future of the people and the kings, as you have recounted the past. Tell us what will come to pass, the names of those who will arise in times yet to come. Reveal the times, the measure of the ages, their virtues and faults, and the happiness and sorrow of the people in matters of righteousness, desire, and wealth.” Thus addressed, the Suta, foremost among the wise, agreed to narrate the truth as he had seen and heard, just as Vyasa, the wondrous sage, had recounted to him—all about the coming of Kali Yuga and the Manvantaras. “Now,” he said, “hear from me all that is yet to come; from here onward, I will declare the kings who will arise.