The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c24.56

v1.c24.56

The next two dynasties, the Pradyotas and Çiçunāgas, were almost certainly contemporary. The Pradyota dynasty may be identified with the Pauṇika family mentioned in the *Harshacharita* (trans. Cowell and Thomas, p. 193). According to the Purāṇas, the founder, Puṇika (Pulika), slew his master, Ripuñjaya, the last of the Bṛihadrathas, and anointed his own son in his stead. After five reigns, the duration of which is given by some versions as 52 years and by others as 138 years, the Pradyota dynasty is supplanted by Çiçunāga, who, after placing his son on the throne of Kāçī (Benares), himself takes possession of Girivraja.