Danava (Hinduism)
In Hindu mythology, the Dānavas were a race descending from Dakṣa.
They were the sons of Danu, the daughter of Dakṣa. Danu is connected with the waters of the heavens and is likely associated with the formless, primordial waters that existed prior to creation. The name is connected with the PIE root *danu, "river" or "any flowing liquid."
Under the leadership of Bali and others, the Dānavas revolted against the Devas. Despite initial successes, the Dānavas were defeated by the god Vāmana who managed to deceive Bali.
It is said that there are 100 Danava sons of Danu. The Dānavas were not considered to be universally evil and individual Dānava may be aligned with good or evil. There was Mayasura, the architect of the demons, who was a righteous man & a devotee of Shiva. Other Danavas, like Namuchi, Ilvala, Vatapi were crafty & evil beings, subdued by Indra & Agastya. Vrishaparva & Puloma fathered Sharmistha & Shachi
