From the sacred foot of the Sahya mountain, southern-flowing rivers arise, carrying their pure and cool waters across the land. Likewise, noble rivers are born from the Malaya mountains, their streams refreshing and pristine. Among these, Langulini, Vamshadhara, and the daughters of Mahendra are remembered for their grace. Kripa and Palashini, too, are known to originate from Shuktimati. All these rivers are revered as mothers of the universe, destroyers of the world’s sins, nurturing life and purifying all who dwell upon their banks. Within these regions, great peoples reside: the Kurus, Panchalas, Shalvas, Madreyas, and Jangalas. Alongside them are the Matsyas, Kushalas, Saushalas, Kuntalas, and the Kashi-Kosalas. These are the principal inhabitants of the central region, renowned throughout the land. Indeed, this region is delightful, cherished even across the whole earth. It is dear to Rama, heavenly, adorned with divine trees and herbs, making the eastern region especially delightful. Further afield, other peoples dwell: the Aparantas, Muhmas, Panchalas, and those of the Carmamandala. There are also the Chinas, Tusharas, Pallavas, and those living in mountain caves. The Abhishahas, Ulutas, Kekayas, and Dashamalikas are counted among them, as well as the Kambojas, Daradas, Barbaras, and Angalohikas. The Lamakas, Talashalas, Bhushikas, and Ijikas reside here, together with the Tomaras, Hansabhangas, Kashmiris, and Tanganas. The Jhillikas, Ahukas, and Huna Darvas are known, followed by the Plavangas, Maladas, and Malavartikas. The Pragjyotishas, Pundras, Videhas, and Tamraliptakas also dwell in these lands. Turning to the southern region, there are yet more peoples: the Setukas, Mushikas, Kshapanas, and Vanavasikas. The Abhiras and Aishikas, Atavyas, and Saravas live here, as do the Paurikas, Maulikas, Shmakas, and Bhogavardhinas. Other southern lands are home to the Pauleyas, Kiratas, Rupakas, and Tapakas. The Nasikas and others reside between the Narmada, along with the Kachhipas, Saurashtras, Anartas, and the Arbuda people. The Maladas, Karuthas, Mekalas, and Kaitkalas are found here, as well as the Toshalas, Kosalas, the people of Tripura, and the Vaidishas. The Anupas, Tundikeras, Vitihotras, and the people of Avanti complete this tapestry of southern inhabitants. Now, the regions of the mountains and their dwellers are described: Apapra, Rana, Urna, Darva, and Sahuhuka. The sages have declared that in the land of Bharata, four yugas unfold, each with its own nature and qualities, which shall be explained fully and in detail. The sages then ask to hear more, longing for a true account of Bharata. They speak of Plaksha Khanda in Kimpurusha, a vast region comparable to the celestial Nandana gardens. There, the men shine with a golden hue, and the women resemble celestial nymphs. Humans are born with a radiance like refined gold, and all the Kimpurushas there delight in drinking the most excellent juice, living lives of beauty and joy.