Ancient Indian Historical Tradition c24.17

c24.17

The traditions which give the earliest genuine historical setting to the Āṅgirasas connect them with the kings who reigned in the portion of North Bihar of which Vaiśālī became the capital afterwards (p. 97). They come into notice there first with king Karandhama, his son Avikṣit and his son the famous Marutta Āvikṣita, being their hereditary priests. Their chronological position and connexions have been explained above (pp. 157 f.), namely, of Uśija, his three sons ¹ Ucathya ² (or Utathya), Bṛhaspati ³ and Saṃvarta,⁴ Ucathya’s son Dīrghatamas by his wife Mamatā, and Bṛhaspati’s son Bharadvāja ⁵ and descendant (probably great grandson) Vidathin Bharadvāja. These rishis thus began in the country of Vaiśālī, and moved westwards in time. Bharadvāja moved to Kāśī, and became purohita to king Divodāsa II of Kāśī.⁶ Vidathin Bharadvāja was adopted by king Bharata as his son (p. 159), and the Bhāradvājas remained connected with the Paurava dynasty.