Aryavartha was the name of our motherland in good old days. The land of the refined people is its meaning. This name happens to be retained in literature. The solar dynasty - Suryavamsa and the Lunar Dynasty - Chandravamsa were the two distinguished lines that reigned supreme in those days.
Bharata was a mighty monarch born of Dushyanta by Sakuntala. Because of his manifold merits and supremacy the country was later named after him as Bharatavarsha. His descendants were all styled Bharatas. Kuru was another outstanding king who came later in this line. The descendants were therefore called as Kurus.
Santanu was a powerful king belonging to this lunar dynasty. In his former birth he was the king Mahabhisha of the worn out Ikshavaku Dynasty. While in heaven he participated in a feast attended by many Gods. Gangadevi was also present in it. Wind blew and removed her upper garment by chance. In that predicament the Devas drooped down their eyes out of modesty.
But the king Mahabhisha kept on gazing at her. For this offense Brahma the creator cursed bith of them to be born on earth in order to work out that Karma. That was the background of Santanu’s earthly career, though he was not aware of it.
