Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s11.62

v1.c3.s11.62

Kaṇva is the name of an ancient Ṛṣi repeatedly referred to in the Rigveda and later.¹ His sons and descendants,² the Kaṇvas, are also often mentioned, especially in the eighth book of the Rigveda, the authorship of that book, as well as of part of the first, being attributed to this family. A descendant of Kaṇva is also denoted by the name in the singular, either alone³ or accompanied by a patronymic, as Kaṇva Nārṣada⁴ and Kaṇva Śrāyasa,⁵ besides in the plural the Kaṇvas Sauśravasas.⁶ The Kaṇva family appears to have been connected with the Atri family,⁷ but not to have been of great importance.⁸ In one passage of the Atharvaveda⁹ they seem to be definitely regarded with hostility.