Ancient Indian Historical Tradition c7.122

c7.122

Next, as regards genealogical lore, expressions are used, which prove that genealogies were specially studied, just as the Veda and other subjects were studied. Thus vamśa-vid⁴ occurs, denoting ‘one who had acquired knowledge of genealogies’, just as Veda-vid⁵ meant ‘one who had learnt the Veda’, and Vedānta-vid,⁶ yoga-vid⁷ and even saṅkhyā-vid,⁸ besides many similar expressions which imply thorough knowledge.⁹ Vamśa-vids are mentioned as quoting from more ancient purāṇa-jñas (p. 26), and in particular Soma-vamśa-vids¹⁰ are referred to. The character of these men is emphasized by the superlative vamśa-vittama,¹¹ showing that there were men specially learned in genealogies, just as Veda-vittamas¹² are alluded to; and these special genealogists were ancient and are cited as earlier authorities by paurāṇikas.¹³