Description

About The Book: The book delves into the Puranas' accounts detailing the dynasties of ancient India, including Matsya, Vayu, Brahmanda, Visnu, Bhagavata, Garuda, and Bhavisya. These narratives trace genealogies up to the Pandavas-Kauravas battle, then focus on North Indian rulers post-battle, notably Pauravas, Aiksvakus, and Barhadrathas. Matsya and Bhagavata diverge by introducing later dynasties separately. Versions of Matsya, Vayu, and Brahmanda share similarities, likely from one source. Visnu and Bhagavata, though condensed, also show parallels, suggesting a common origin. Despite discrepancies, these texts offer valuable insights into ancient Indian history, likely originating in literary Prakrit, possibly in Magadha. The transmission of Vedic hymns by Brahmins paved the way for the oral tradition, with bards and minstrels contributing metrical records. Cross-verification across North India and attempts at accuracy in compiling Puranic genealogies add to the richness of historical narratives. Textual analyses hint at a compilation evolution starting in the 3rd century, possibly written in Sanskrit in Kharosthi script, preceding the Gupta era.