99 Children of Krishna? The Forgotten Sons and Daughters No One Talks About

श्रीकृष्णं वन्दे जगद्गुरुम्

I bow to Shri Krishna, the teacher of the world.

When people think of Shri Krishna, the first images that arise are of the playful cowherd stealing butter in Gokul, the divine charioteer delivering the Bhagavad Gita, or the beloved of Radha. Yet, few remember that Krishna was not only a warrior, philosopher, and statesman, but also a father. Ancient texts tell us that Krishna had as many as 16,108 wives, and from them, he is said to have fathered 180,000 sons. But the Puranas especially highlight 99 children who are directly named and remembered in tradition, particularly from his principal queen, Rukmini, and other chief wives.

These children are rarely spoken of today, hidden in the shadow of Krishna’s divine exploits. Yet, their stories reveal a great deal about the continuation of the Yadava dynasty, the politics of the Mahabharata era, and the future of Dwaraka itself. Let us uncover the forgotten sons and daughters of Krishna, beginning with those most prominently recorded.

Krishna’s eldest son, born to Rukmini, was Pradyumna. He is regarded as a partial incarnation of Kamadeva (the god of love). As a warrior, he became a central figure in the Yadava clan and played a crucial role in defending Dwaraka against invasions. His birth and rise symbolize the continuation of Krishna’s divine energy in human form.


From Krishna’s chief wife Jambavati was born Samba, who became notorious for his arrogance. He once mocked revered sages, leading to a curse that eventually resulted in the downfall of the Yadavas. Samba’s life is significant because it demonstrates how even the children of divine figures were not immune to destiny and karmic consequences.

Another son of Rukmini, Charudeshna, is often remembered as one of Krishna’s closest companions in battles. He is mentioned as part of the Yadava armies in the Mahabharata and was known for his valor. Unlike Samba, he embodied the discipline and martial spirit of the clan.

From Rukmini was born Bhanu, whose very name means radiance. Scriptures describe him as one who maintained the honor of his mother’s lineage. While details about his exploits are limited, Bhanu is listed in the Vishnu Purana as among Krishna’s most illustrious children.


Another of Rukmini’s sons was Gada, a name symbolizing strength and the mace weapon. He is remembered as a defender of Dwaraka, emphasizing the martial upbringing that Krishna instilled in his children.

Among Krishna’s grandsons, Vajra is most significant. When the Yadavas destroyed themselves in their fratricidal war after Krishna’s departure, Vajra survived and was later installed as the ruler of Mathura by the Pandavas. His father was Aniruddha, Krishna’s grandson through Pradyumna. These descendants ensured the continuity of Krishna’s lineage after the destruction of Dwaraka.


The Vishnu Purana records that Krishna and Rukmini had 10 sons and 1 daughter. The sons were:

• Pradyumna
• Charudeshna
• Sudeshna
• Charudeha
• Sucharu
• Charugupta
• Bhadracharu
• Charuchandra
• Vicharu
• Charu

This group represents the largest single branch of Krishna’s immediate family and became leaders in the Yadava community.

With Jambavati, Krishna had another set of 10 sons, the most prominent being Samba. Others included Sumitra, Purujit, and others whose names appear in the Harivamsa. Jambavati’s children were known for their boldness, but it was Samba’s curse that sealed the fate of the Yadavas.


Krishna’s beloved queen Satyabhama also bore him 10 sons, mentioned in the texts though less prominently in epic narratives. Their names, preserved in the Vishnu Purana, highlight Krishna’s vast lineage.

Although the texts predominantly emphasize Krishna’s sons, they also mention his daughters, who were married into royal families across Aryavarta. These marriages were politically significant, as they strengthened alliances and spread the Yadava influence. Unfortunately, many of their names are not preserved, highlighting how patriarchal transmission often eclipsed female legacies.

The number 99 is not accidental. In many traditions, it represents incompleteness just before perfection (100). Krishna’s countless progeny reflected the idea of divine expansion into human society, spreading dharma across lineages. The survival of only a few, like Vajra, points to the fragility of even divine dynasties before fate.


When Krishna departed the world and Dwaraka sank beneath the ocean, most of his descendants perished. Yet, through Vajra and a few surviving lineages, Krishna’s bloodline continued into the post-Mahabharata era. His children thus became silent witnesses to one of history’s greatest civilizational transitions.

When we look beyond the battles of Kurukshetra, beyond the flute songs of Vrindavan, and beyond the philosophy of the Gita, we find Krishna as a father, raising children who struggled, erred, fought, and loved like any other family. His 99 children remind us that even the divine lived within the ordinary — guiding, protecting, but also enduring loss.

In their forgotten names lies a quiet message: that legacy is not only in glory but also in the lives we touch and the values we pass forward. Just as Krishna’s sons and daughters carried his lineage into the uncertain future, we too carry forward the unseen legacies of those who came before us.