Agni Purana — Veda-vidhana & Vamsha, Shloka 33
Somavaṃśa-saṃkṣepaḥ
Conclusion of the Lunar Dynasty Description
न्यग्रोधश् च सुनामा च कङ्कः शङ्कुश् च भूमिपः सुतनूराष्ट्रपालश् च युद्धमुष्टिः सुमुष्टिकः
nyagrodhaś ca sunāmā ca kaṅkaḥ śaṅkuś ca bhūmipaḥ sutanūrāṣṭrapālaś ca yuddhamuṣṭiḥ sumuṣṭikaḥ
And (there were) Nyagrodha, Sunāmā, Kaṅka, and Śaṅku; also the king Bhūmipa; and Sutanū, Rāṣṭrapāla; and Yuddhamuṣṭi and Sumuṣṭika.
Lord Agni (narrating to sage Vasiṣṭha, in the Purāṇic dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Samanya","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Genealogical recall for itihasa-purana study, royal legitimation, and contextualizing later narratives (alliances, succession, clan identity).","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Vamsha-nama-sangraha (Nyagrodha–Sumushtika)","lookup_keywords":["vamsha","rajavamsa","Nyagrodha","Bhūmipa","Yuddhamuṣṭi"],"quick_summary":"A compact dynastic name-list preserving succession memory. Useful as an index for cross-linking clans and later episodes tied to these rulers."}
Concept: Smriti as dharma-support: preserving lineage (vamsha) and social order through remembered succession.
Application: Use genealogical memory to interpret dharma claims (inheritance, legitimacy, clan duties) in later narratives.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma / Vamshanucarita (Dynastic and royal genealogical listings)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A court scribe or bard recites a scroll of royal names before a seated king, with attendants and genealogical palm-leaf records.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, palace interior, royal bard chanting lineage names, palm-leaf manuscript, warm earthy pigments, stylized faces, ornamental borders.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, enthroned king with court pandit holding ola-leaf, gold foil highlights on throne and jewelry, frontal iconic composition.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, detailed manuscript-reading scene, fine linework, subdued colors, instructional court setting with labeled name-scroll.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, durbar scene with genealogist presenting a scroll, delicate architecture, patterned carpets, naturalistic faces, fine detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: nyagrodhaś → nyagrodhaḥ; śaṅkuś → śaṅkuḥ; sutanūrāṣṭrapālaś → sutanūrāṣṭrapālaḥ (visarga sandhi before ca).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 273-275 (Vamshanucarita / Rajadharma genealogical run)
FAQs
This verse transmits genealogical knowledge (vaṁśānucarita) by preserving a sequential catalogue of royal names, a core Purāṇic method for encoding political history and legitimacy.
By recording dynastic name-lists alongside other disciplines (ritual, law, medicine, warfare, poetics), the Agni Purana functions as an encyclopedic compendium—here specifically preserving governance-history data through lineage documentation.
Reciting and preserving righteous royal lineages is traditionally viewed as supporting smṛti (cultural memory) and dharma-continuity; it encourages reverence for dharmic kingship and strengthens merit through engagement with Purāṇic sacred history.