The Mahabharata is one of India’s oldest and most renowned Sanskrit epics, alongside its counterpart the Ramayana. This epic details a fierce competition for power between two branches of a royal family—the Kauravas and Pandavas—stemming from an argument over inheritance rights. At its core lies the dynastic struggle to acquire control of Hastinapura, an ancient Indian city.
The Mahabharata family tree maps the ancestry of both Pandavas and Kauravas, with King Kuru being at its root. Shantanu was the founder of this esteemed royal dynasty and his son Bhishma played a major role in the epic. Interestingly enough, Satyvanti was both mother figure as well as stepmother to Bhishma since she married Shantanu after he lost his first wife Devayani.
Vichitravirya, the son of Shantanu and Satyavati, had two sons – Dhritarashtra and Pandu. From there, we enter a world rich with characters: Dhritarashtra is the father of the Kauravas while Pandu sired five fearless heroes known as the Pandavas.
From the Mahabharata family tree, Krishna stands out as a key figure, having been born into Yadava lineage but participating in the battle in favour of Pandavas. Additionally, Drona was an instrumental character since he mentored both sides – Pandavas and Kauravas alike.
Unraveling the intricate web of relationships in the Mahabharata family tree can be a daunting task, however doing so offers an invaluable lesson into this epic saga. By studying this structure we gain insight into how families and dynasties interacted with each other centuries ago, emphasizing just how vital lineage was to ancient India’s mythology and culture. The visualization provided by this treelike formation speaks volumes about one of history’s greatest stories – making it an essential part of our collective understanding.
What is the Mahabharata?
The Mahabharata is a renowned Sanskrit epic of India, standing in grandeur beside the Ramayana. It recounts the tale of two royal branches – Kauravas and Pandavas – struggling for power which stemmed from an ancient dispute over ancestral inheritance.
Who is the main character in Mahabharata?
Epic and unforgettable characters, such as the Pandavas and Kauravas, trace their lineage back to King Kuru through Shantanu, Vichitravirya and Bhishma. Other legendary figures that appear in the Mahabharata are Krishna and Drona.
What is the significance of the Mahabharata family tree?
Through its incredible family tree, the Mahabharata offers a captivating look at how influential families and dynasties interacted over time in ancient India, demonstrating just how esteemed lineage was. Not only that, but this remarkable visual representation also allows readers to gain an even deeper understanding of one of history’s greatest epics.
Who is the father of Dhritarashtra and Pandu?
The two brothers, Dhritarashtra and Pandu, are descendants of Vichitravirya who was born to the couple Shantanu and Satyavati.

I’ve always been interested in DNA testing and genealogy. My DNA testing research is approved by my teachers at the Boston University of Genealogy. I’ve been following DNA testing’s rise since its first appearance in 2006.