Shloka 28
Duḥṣanta at Kaṇva-Āśrama; Śakuntalā’s Reception and Origin Prelude (दुःषन्तस्य कण्वाश्रमागमनम्)
इमे च वंशा: प्रथिता: सत्त्ववन्तो महाबला: । दनुपुत्रा महाराज दश दानववंशजा:,महाराज! ये विख्यात दानववंश कहे गये हैं, जो बड़े धैर्यवान् और महाबलवान् हुए हैं। दनुके पुत्रोंमें निम्नाँकित दानवोंके दस कुल बहुत प्रसिद्ध हैं--
ime ca vaṁśāḥ prathitāḥ sattvavanto mahābalāḥ | danuputrā mahārāja daśa dānavavaṁśajāḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “O great king, these lineages are renowned—endowed with courage and great strength. Among the sons of Danu, ten clans of Dānavas are especially celebrated.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames power and fame within the larger Mahābhārata method of moral history: even formidable beings are introduced through lineage and reputation, reminding the listener that identity and influence are traced through origins and inherited traditions.
Vaiśampāyana continues a genealogical account for the king, announcing that among Danu’s descendants there are ten especially famous Dānava clans, preparing the listener for their enumeration and role in the wider mythic-historical narrative.