Kotdwar (Manoj Istwal) : The Bharat Dynasty, named after Chakraborty Samrat Bharat, the son of King Dushyant and Shakuntala, is a prominent lineage in ancient Indian history. The Harivansh Purana, Matsya Purana, and Bhagavata Purana provide detailed genealogical accounts of the dynasty. In this article, we will explore the family tree of King Dushyant and his descendants, who established the Ajmidh dynasty.
The Genealogy of Bharata Dynasty
The Harivansh Purana’s genealogy traces back to Richey, the son of Pururavasputra Raudrashwa. The lineage includes Matinar, Tansu, Surodh, Dushyanta, and Bharat (Sarvdaman), with Bharata’s sons described as Bhardwaj and Vitath. The Matsya Purana and Bhagavata Purana also provide genealogies, with slight variations, but they all agree that Bharata’s son Vitath (Bhardwaj) established the Ajmidh dynasty.
Vishnu Purana and Vayu Purana of Bharata Dynasty
The Vishnu Purana and Vayu Purana of Bharata dynasty present slightly different family trees. Vishnu Purana traces back to Ritesu (Raudrashwa son – Raudrashwa, the eleventh king of the dynasty of Puru), Antinar, Apratiratha, Aileen, Dushyanta, and Bharata Vitath (Bhardwaj). On the other hand, Vayu Purana traces back to Prabhakar Atreya (husband of Raudrashwa’s daughters), Rivayu, Ranti, Trasu, Upadat, Dushyant, Bharata, and Vitath.
Authentication of Kanvashram’s Location
The Natyashastra Abhigyan Shakuntalam composed by Mahakavi Kalidas mentions Kanvashram located in the Mahab Garh and Malini river area. It is essential to authenticate whether the area described in the text is the same as the present-day location. Several facts and arguments support this authenticity, such as:
- The Vitath forest area (Rajdarbar) is located three to four kilometers from the present Kanvashram.
- The Ajmeed dynasty, i.e., Chowki Ghata to Rajdarbar Mahabgarh, goes to the Malini river area known as Patti Ajmer.
- The lineage of the people in the area is Gotra Bhardwaj only.
In conclusion, the Bharat dynasty, named after King Dushyant’s son Chakraborty Samrat Bharat, has a rich historical significance in ancient Indian history. The genealogical accounts of the dynasty vary slightly, but all agree that Bharata’s son Vitath (Bhardwaj) established the Ajmidh dynasty. The authenticity of Kanvashram’s location is supported by several facts and arguments, including the lineage of the people in the area, which is Gotra Bhardwaj only.
