History plays a pivotal role in shaping a nation's identity. However, one of the greatest misfortunes of our nation is our collective unawareness of our real history. The ancient scriptures and Puranas contain vast historical knowledge, yet they remain overlooked in mainstream historical discourse. One such invaluable text is the Vishnu Purana, which provides a detailed account of dynasties, rulers, and historical events that have shaped Bharat (India) over thousands of years.
The Legacy of Sage Parasara and Vishnu Purana
Sage Parasara, the father of Veda Vyasa, was the orator of the Vishnu Purana, one of the most revered texts in Hindu tradition. Unlike other scriptures, Vishnu Purana is highly content-oriented, focusing more on substance than expansive descriptions.
The Five Key Features of Puranas
Puranas generally follow a structured format known as Pancha Lakshana, consisting of five key features:
Sarga (Creation) – The process of cosmic creation.
Pratisarga (Dissolution & Re-Creation) – The periodic destruction and re-creation of the universe.
Vamsa (Dynasties) – Genealogies of ruling dynasties.
Manvantara (Ages of Manus) – Cosmic time cycles governed by Manus.
Vamsanucharita (Chronicles of Lineages) – Detailed histories of prominent rulers.
These elements make the Puranas a rich source of historical wisdom, helping rulers and scholars understand governance, ethics, and the rise and fall of empires.
Chanakya’s Emphasis on Itihasas and Puranas
The legendary strategist Chanakya (Kautilya), in his Arthashastra (5th Adhyaya, 13th & 14th prose pieces), advised rulers to listen to Itihasas (historical epics) and Puranas every evening. This practice was meant to instill wisdom, provide lessons from the past, and aid in governance.
Vishnu Purana and Srivaishnavas
For the Srivaishnavas, Vishnu Purana holds unparalleled authenticity. Even Sri Krishnadevaraya, the Vijayanagara emperor, depicted stories from Vishnu Purana in his celebrated Telugu poetic work, Amuktamalyada.
Chronicles of Dynasties: From Brihadratha to Chandragupta
The Vishnu Purana meticulously documents various dynasties from ancient times. Some of the prominent lineages include:
1. Magadha Dynasty
Brihadratha was the progenitor of this dynasty.
His descendant Jarasandha was a mighty emperor, ultimately defeated by Bheema in a duel.
The last ruler was Ripunjaya, who was assassinated by his minister Munika.
Munika's son, Pradyota, took over and established a new ruling lineage.
2. Sisunabha Dynasty
After the Pradyota rulers, Sisunabha kings came to power.
This dynasty ruled for an extensive period of 1050 years.
The last ruler was Mahanandi, whose son Mahapadma Nanda (born to a woman of the fourth caste) established the Nanda dynasty.
3. Nanda Dynasty
Mahapadma Nanda, also known as Nanda, had eight sons, collectively referred to as the Nine Nandas.
This dynasty ruled for 107 years.
Eventually, Kautilya (Chanakya) orchestrated their downfall and coronated Chandragupta Maurya, marking the rise of the Mauryan Empire.
4. Mauryan Dynasty
Chandragupta Maurya’s rule ushered in a golden age in Indian history.
His successors, including Bindusara and Ashoka the Great, ruled for 137 years.
The last Mauryan king, Brihadratha, was assassinated by his commander-in-chief Pushyamitra, who established the Sunga dynasty.
5. Sunga, Kanva, and Andhra Dynasties
Sunga rulers governed for 110 years, followed by the Kanva dynasty (45 years).
The last Kanva ruler, Susarma, was overthrown by Balipuchchaka, who hailed from Andhra Desa.
The Andhra rulers governed for 456 years, with notable kings like Sulomapi.
6. Other Ruling Dynasties
After the Andhras, various ruling clans took over different regions:
Andhra Bhrutyas
Abhiras
Yavanas
Turushkas
Mundas
Maunees
Nagas, Magadhas, and Guhas
These rulers dominated the Indian subcontinent for nearly 1090 years, with Maunees alone ruling for 300 years.
Historical Significance of Vishnu Purana
The Vishnu Purana is not merely a mythological text but a historical goldmine. It meticulously records over 3000 years of Indian history, covering numerous dynasties and their impact on Bharat’s political and cultural landscape.
Source of This Content
The Great Misfortune of Our Nation: Unawareness of Our True History
(This text brings out authentic evidence to prove the ancient history of Bharat since 9760 years.)
Author: Dr. Chirravuri Sivarama Krishna Sarma
Translated from Telugu by: Dr. V.A. Kumara Swami
All rights reserved by the author
