Kroshtu

THE LIVING ARCHIVE

About Kroshtu

The name appears as Kroshtu, Kroshti or Kroshtri in transliteration. The identifying relationship is to Yadu, whose other sons include Sahasrajit. The Haihaya kings descend through Sahasrajit, whereas the family examined here proceeds through Kroshtu and Vrijinivat. The two branches share an older ancestor without being one household.

AT A GLANCE

Identity & Context

Identity: King
Form: Kroshtu Branch of the Yadavas
Tradition: Puranic Royal Genealogy
Also Known As: Kroshtri · Kroshti

Family & Relationships

ParentYadu
Yadu is the parent of Kroshtu in this account.
ChildVrijinivat
Kroshtu is the parent of Vrijinivat in this account.

IN THE TRADITION

Recorded Context

Family and Wider Context

The succession from Kroshtu reaches Shashavindu, a wealthy king with an extensive family, and later Jyamagha. Jyamagha’s wife Shaivya gives birth to Vidarbha after a dispute about a young woman brought home from battle. Vidarbha’s sons establish further branches; Kratha’s line eventually reaches Satvata and the later Yadava houses.

ROLE & ESSENCE

Attributes & Significance

Kroshtu connects the broad identity Yadava with a particular line of descent. The genealogy helps explain why the families of Krishna’s parents, other Yadava rulers and the Haihayas can be related without making every named ancestor a member of Krishna’s immediate court.

Role

Kroshtu is a son of Yadu and the ancestor of a major Yadava branch followed through Vrijinivat. His descendants include the royal family of Jyamagha and Vidarbha and, much later in the succession, Satvata and the houses associated with Krishna.

TRADITION & MEANING