Lines of Descent and Dissent: Genealogy, Narrative, and the Upanisads

This paper analyses the three genealogical lists found in the Brhadararyaka Upanisad, not only as ascriptions of authority for the White Yajurvedic tradition, but as integral to the literary production of this text. I analyse the theme of 'inheritance' in Upanisadic narratives and in genealogical lists and show how a comparison of the two allows for a deeper understanding of the inclusion of genealogical lists in this text. In particular, I posit a new interpretation of the metronymic list found at the conclusion of Brhadarauaka Upanisad 6, arguing that its 'problematic' form is not so problematic after all given its context.