Definition of Suryavansha

The Sun Dynasty or Solar Dynasty or Suryavansha is one of the most prominent dynasties in the history of Hinduism."Survanshi" means, a person belonging to this dynasty. This clan is known to be the most long-lived and the most prosperous in ancient India till rise of Magadh. Ayodhya was their capital. The town of Ayodhya was found by Vaivaswat Manu who was eldest son of Vivaswan. Last important king of Ayodhya was Brihdbal, who was killed by Abhimanyu in Mahabharata or war of Kurukshetra. Last king of this dynasty at Ayodhya was Sumitra at the time of Nanda dynasty. Other important dynasty was "Chandravansha" or Lunar Dynasty. Though the King had many sons and daughters but as laid down by Manu rule of primogeniture was observed after him. According to this rule only the eldest male offspring of the king could succeed his throne unless disqualified by the priests or having physical incompetence. Though the younger sons also produced many historical persons from whom dynasties of Kshatriyas and Vaishyas rose to prominence.In the list of Monarchs we do not see the younger brothers. We also see some rightful heirs but disqualified by priest.