Lunar Dynasty

In Hindu mythology, the Lunar Dynasty (Somavansha, Chandravansha) is one of the three principal houses of the Kshatriya varna, or warrior–ruling caste. This legendary dynasty was descended from the moon (Soma or Chandra), while the other principal houses, the Solar Dynasty (Suryavanshi) claims descent from the sun (surya) and the Agnivanshi claim to have been born to the fire-god Agni, with the term vansh referring to descent. Within this family tree sub-branches such as Bharatvansha, Yaduvansha, Puruvansha, Kuruvansha, Panduvansha and others emerged, each named after a prominent progenitor of the line. Throughout history, various South Asian communities have claimed descent from Chandra through these lineages.

The legendary capital of the Lunar Dynasty was Pratisthana, said to be founded by Ila, or by the first Lunar prince, Pururavas, son of Budha, who was the son of Chandra, son of one of the earliest sages, Atri and his wife Anasuya.