A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1786

c5.1786

SŪRYA-VANSA. The Solar race. A race or lineage of Kshatriyas which sprang from Ikshwāku, grandson of the sun. Rāma was of this race, and so were many other great kings and heroes. Many Rājputs claim descent from this and the other great lineage, the Lunar race. The Rāna of Udaypur claims to be of the Sūrya-vansa, and the Jhārejas of Cutch and Sindh assert a descent from the Chandra-vansa. There were two dynasties of the Solar race. The elder branch, which reigned at Ayodhyā, descended from Ikshwāku through his eldest son, Vikukshi. The other dynasty, reigning at Mithilā, descended from another of Ikshwāku’s sons, named Nimi. The lists of these two dynasties on the opposite page are taken from the *Vishnu Purāna*. The lists given by other authorities show some discrepancies, but they agree in general as to the chief names.