Bharata

With the divine mandate secured, Duhshanta finally shows his affection. He embraces his son, formally accepts Shakuntala as his queen, and explains his harsh public denial was a strategic move to protect their legitimacy. He then instates the boy as heir apparent, founding the legendary Bharata lineage.

Vaishampayana answers Janamejaya's request, tracing the Puru dynasty from its founder through conquests, exiles, and resurgences. He recounts how the lineage survived a thousand-year exile, was restored by a sage, and produced the kings who would father the epic's heroes.