Lunar Dynasty

In Hindu mythology, the Lunar Dynasty (Somavansha, Chandravansha) also known as Ailas 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.

Yaduvanshi lineage

Main article: Yaduvanshi

Of the many branches of the Chandravansh line, the Yaduvanshi lineage is a major branch. This branch is an offshoot of the Bharatvansh which started with the eldest son of Yayati, Yadu. All his descendants are known as Yadavas of Yaduvansh, meaning descendants of Yadu. Based on the writings of Puranas, the Itihaasa Mahabharata and the Raghuvamsa, Lord Krishna was born into the Yadava branch and is considered an ancestor by the modern Yadav community.^{[citation needed]} During the Mahabharat, Chandravansh was only associated with Yadavas and Shoorsainis. The Rajput clans Bhati,Barhiya, Jadeja, Chudasama, Chandela, who built Khajuraho, and Jadaun clans claim that they are Chandravansis.

Several Indian castes such as the Sainis of Punjab and contiguous regions, the Sainis and the Seuna Yadavs of Devagiri claim descent from the Hindu God Krishna.