Significance of Royal lineage
Royal lineage encompasses the heritage and ancestry of noble families, highlighting the status and privileges associated with being born into a prestigious lineage. Various traditions, including Buddhism, Jainism, Purana, and others, examine the significance of royal lineage through prominent characters, such as Yudhishthira, Arjuna, and King Suddhodana, emphasizing their noble birth and inherited virtues. This concept illustrates how lineage influences identity, power, social hierarchy, and expectations, showcasing the historical connections and legacy of ruling families throughout various narratives.
Synonyms: Royalty, Noble descent, Noble lineage, Royal blood, Nobility, Aristocracy, Descent, Heritage, Dynasty, Ancestry, Pedigree
In Dutch: Koninklijke afstamming; In Finnish: Kuninkaallinen suku; In Spanish: Linaje real
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Royal lineage'
Royal lineage in Buddhism emphasizes the noble ancestry and prestigious status of figures such as Shantideva and King Suddhodana, highlighting how family heritage influences spiritual journeys, authority, and societal expectations of merit and legacy.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The descent or ancestry of king Udena, which contributes to his authority and status.[1] (2) The family background which encompasses the ancestry and noble birth of kings.[2] (3) The hereditary line of rulers, which the childless king desperately wishes to continue with the birth of a son.[3]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Refers to the family heritage of King Suddhodana, linked to traditional notions of prestige and authority.[4]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The indication of Visakha's noble background, contributing to her reputation, abilities, and the expectation of great merit associated with her actions.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Refers to Ananda's noble birth, indicating his esteemed heritage within the context of spiritual practice.[6]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The heritage connected to kings and rulers, underscoring Shantideva's background before his spiritual journey.[7]
From: Buddhacarita
(1) The heritage and descent of a royal family, reflecting the continuity of power and legacy.[8]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Describes Koliivisa's rebirth in a prestigious family, indicating his elevated status in his last existence.[9]
Hindu concept of 'Royal lineage'
Royal lineage in Hinduism represents the noble ancestry and heritage of kings and princes, highlighting their societal status, responsibilities, and virtuous qualities derived from historical and divine figures such as Shri Rama and the Pandavas.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers to Arjuna’s birth and status that implicates expectations for nobility and honor in his actions as a Kshatriya.[10] (2) The heritage and dynasty from which the Pandavas descend, highlighting their noble birth.[11] (3) Refers to the noble backgrounds of characters like Drona and his students, highlighting themes of destiny and heritage.[12] (4) The reference to Yudhishthira and associated characters, signifying noble birth and importance in the narrative.[13] (5) The noble ancestry of characters like Duryodhana and Yudhishthira, shaped by their royal heritage.[14]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) An implicit reference to Angada's noble status among the monkeys as a prince, affecting his actions and responsibilities.[15] (2) The heritage of the two princes, suggesting their noble birth and inherent qualities.[16] (3) The noble heritage from which Shri Rama arises, being the son of King Dasaratha.[17]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Refers to the noble background of the new-born child, emphasizing his noble heritage.[18] (2) The connection of Sukanya to a noble family, indicated by her portrayal as a princess.[19] (3) Refers to the noble descent or ancestry of a character, indicating their status in society.[20]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) The ancestral line of rulers indicated within the text, representing nobility and historical significance.[21] (2) Refers to the ancestry and nobility of characters like Rama and Karttavirya, highlighting their statuses as kings.[22]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The descendents of Sagara, whose lineage is traced through various powerful kings.[23] (2) The noble ancestry that Aniruddha and Usha belong to, representing social hierarchy.[24]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The ancestral line of kings, including notable figures like Vidarbha and the future kings of Chedi.[25] (2) The familial line of royalty from which kings and rulers descend.[26]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) Lineage associated with nobility and kingship, referencing the family of Vasudeva.[27] (2) Refers to the detailed accounts of various noble families, describing their heritage and significant deeds in the context of the narrative.[28]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The hereditary line of kings and nobles who follow the path of devotion to Shiva.[29]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The noble bloodline that Kaikeyi fears will be lost if Rama becomes king.[30]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The familial network involving kingship, specifically related to the descendants of Vichitravirya.[31]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The noble bloodline from which kshatriya kings are derived, emphasized when discussing the kings’ shame over their inability to defend themselves.[32]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The succession of kings stemming from noble ancestors, showcasing attributes like might, virtue, and the command of armies.[33]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The lineage of kings tracing back through various historical figures, illustrating the connections of ruling families.[34]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The ancestry and descent of royal families that are documented to showcase their history and connections.[35]
From: Jarasandhavadha Mahakavyam
(1) The noble descent of Jarasandha being the son of Brihadratha.[36]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) The heritage of kingship and noble qualities inheriting in Prince Harsha.[37]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The noble heritage that characters like Udayana and Prasenajit possess, which is a significant factor in marriage proposals and alliances.[38]
From: Matangalila and Hastyayurveda (study)
(1) The ancestral line of kings and queens, suggesting nobility and privilege.[39]
Jain concept of 'Royal lineage'
Royal lineage in Jainism pertains to the noble birth and status of key figures, notably exemplified by King Shilayudha from the Ikshvaku lineage, emphasizing the significance of heritage in spiritual and cultural contexts.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Referring to the birth and status of characters, particularly related to King Shilayudha of the Ikshvaku-line.[40]
The concept of Royal lineage in local and regional sources
Royal lineage signifies the heritage of nobility, emphasizing the significance of family background in determining caste and power dynamics, reflecting its crucial role in societal structures and influence.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The heritage of nobility, indicating the importance of family background in the context of caste and power.[41]