List of Mahabharata tribes

by Laxman Burdak | 19,468 words

This content is based mainly on Ch. V of book by Sandhya Jain: Adi Deo Arya Devata - A Panoramic View of Tribal-Hindu Cultural Interface, Rupa & Co, 7/16, Ansari Road Daryaganj, New Delhi, 2004...

Tribes listed on Kaurava

1. Anga (aṅga) - An ancient eastern tribe and one of the Mahajanapadas in the Bauddha period, it constituted the core of the confederacy of five kingdoms of Anga, Vanga, Kalinga, Suhma and Pundra. According to the Mbh. And other sources, Anga comprised the present districts of Bhagalpur and Monghyr. It was under the suzerainty of the Kuru king, and hence Duryodhana could make Karna its ruler. Anga supported the Kauravas in the Great War.

parācyāśa ca dākṣiṇātyāśa ca paravīrā gajayodhinaḥ |
Aṅgā vaṅgāśa ca puṇḍrāśa ca māgadhāsa tāmraliptakāḥ (VIII. 17.2)

2. Andhaka (andhaka) - A branch of the Yadava confederacy, headed by Krtavarma. They alone sided with the Kauravas among the Yadavas (V.19.17).

mahāradaira andhakavṛṣṇibhojaiḥ; saurāṣṭrakaira nairṛtaira āttaśastraiḥ |
Bṛhathbalaḥ kṛtavarmābhigupto; balaṃ tavathīyaṃ thakṣiṇato ऽbhipāti (VI.20.14)

The Mahabharata Tribe - Andhaka (andhaka) may be identified with Jat Gotras - Andar, Andhala, Andhi, Audhran, Odhran, Oka, Ond etc.

3. Andhra (andhra) - A very ancient tribe mentioned as Dasyus in the Aitareya Brahmana (VII.18), as the result of a curse by Vishwamitra. Linked with Pulinda, Khasa, Nishada and other low peoples, they fought for Duryodhana (VIII. 51.17). The Mbh. (XII.200.40) describes them as natives of the south. (VI.10.48)

andhrāśa ca bahavo rājanna antargiryāsa tadaiva ca |
Bahirgirya āṅgamalathā māgadhā mānavarjakāḥ (VI.10.48)

The Mahabharata Tribe - Andhra (andhra) may be identified with Jat Gotra - [[Taka] or Takhar, Name of their tribe was Andhra. [10]

According to Thakur Deshraj there was a great king in Andhra-vansh named Hala around 69 AD. The descendants of Maharaja Hala came from south to north and settled in uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The Jat groups of these Kshatriyas were known as Hala.[11]

The Mahabharata Tribe - Andhra (andhra) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Andar (aṃdāra) or Andara (aṃdāra) is Jat gotra same a Andhak. [12]

The Mahabharata Tribe - Andhra (andhra) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Andhrana (āṃdhrāṇā).[13]

The Mahabharata Tribe - Andhra (andhra) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Vadiar (vāḍiyāra) .[14]

4. Abhisara(abhisāra) - Mentioned in Rajatarangini, which locates their territory in the hill states of Rajapuri ( Rajauri). An infamous and barbarous tribe in Mbh. (VII.68.42); their clans fought on both sides, but were generally with the Kauravas. (VI.10.52)

yo yoniprabhavā malecchāḥ kālakalpāḥ parahāriṇaḥ |
Dārvābhisārā tharathāḥ puṇḍrāśa ca saha bāhlikaiḥ (VII.68.42)
kāśmīrāḥ sindhusauvīrā gāndhārā darśakāsa tadā |
Abhīsārā kulūtāśa ca śauvalā bāhlikāsa tadā (VI.10.52)

5. Ambastha (ambaṣṭha) - A very ancient people, mentioned in Aitareya Brahmana (VIII.11). Ptolemy refers to them as Ambastai; they settled on the lower Chenab in Punjab and were important in the Kaurava army.

ambaṣṭhāḥ kaukurāsa tārkṣyā vastrapāḥ pahlavaiḥ saha |
Vasātayaḥ samauleyāḥ saha kaṣudrakamālavaiḥ (II.48.14)

6. Avanti (avanti) - Joined the Kaurava army and hailed from western Malwa (capital Ujjain). Linked with the Haihaya dynasty in Furanic genealogy.

7. Ashvataka (aśvātaka) - Sided with Duryodhana (Mbh. VI 47.15).

tato thuryodhano rājā sahitaḥ sarvasotharaiḥ |
Aśvātakaira vikarṇaiśa ca tadā śarmila kosalaiḥ VI 47.15).

The Mahabharata Tribe - Ashvataka (aśvātaka) may be identified with nagavanshi Jat Gotras - Ashwatar (aśvatara) .[15]

8. Ajaneya (ājāneya) - Part of the Gandhara king's army (VIII.4.96); fought for the Kurus.

ājāneyaiḥ saindhavaiḥ pārvatīyaira; nathīja kāmbojavanāyu bāhlikaiḥ |
Gāndhārarājaḥ savabalena yukto; vayavasdito yothdhukāmasa tavatharde

Anjai (āṃjaī) is a place in Uttar Pradesh. It was the kingdom of Andhaka or the Antal gotra Jats.

9. Abhira (abhīra) - Ancestors of the modern Ahirs; were possibly confined to the Punjab and Mathura regions in the epic period. Krishna was brought up in an Abhira family. The Mbh. (II.29.9) states they lived in the western desert where the Sarasvati dried up in Vinasana out of hatred for them (IX.37.21f).Joined the Kauravas (VII.10.7).

śūdrābhīra gaṇāśa caiva ye cāśritya sarasvatīma |
Vartayanti ca ye matsyaira ye ca parvatavāsinaḥ (II.29.9)

10. Aratta (ārta) - A north-western tribe; part of the forces of Krtavarma (VII.165.69).

vicetaso hatotsāhāḥ kaśmalābhihataujasaḥ |
Ārtasvareṇa mahatā putraṃ te paryavārayana (VII.165.69)

The Mahabharata Tribe - Aratta (ārta) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Aratt (araṭṭa) Artat (arṭāṭa).[16]

H. L. Kosare after Mahabharata informs that Arattas had their three branches Takka, Vahika and Jartika. All the tree branches belong to Jats.

11. Arevaka (ārevaka) - Fought in the Kuru army (VI.47.7). Possibly from southern Baluchistan.

saṃsdānāḥ śūrasenāśa ca veṇikāḥ kukurāsa tadā |
Ārevakāsa tarigartāśa ca mathrakā yavanāsa tadā (VI.47.7)

12. Karnapravarna (karṇaprāvaraṇa) - A Vindhya tribe defeated by Sahdeva (II.28.44), they brought tribute to Yudhisthira. Joined the Kaurava army (VI.47.13).

vidarbhaira mekalaiśa caiva karṇaprāvaraṇaira api |
Sahitāḥ sarvasainyena bhīṣmama āhavaśobhinama (VI.47.13)

13. Kamboja (kāmboja) - An ancient tribe neighbouring Gandhara; in the forefront of Duryodhana's army. Their king Sudakshina was one of the maharathis in the Great Battle and died at the hands of Arjuna (VII.67.67f).

suthakṣiṇaṃ tu kāmbojaṃ moghasaṃkalpavikramama |
Bibhetha hṛthi bāṇena pṛdu dhāreṇa pāṇḍavaḥ

The Mahabharata Tribe - Kamboja (kāmboja) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Kamboj (kāmboja) Kamboh (kāmboha) who are descendants of rishi Kondilya (koṃḍilya). They are also called Kamedia. [19]

14. Kitava (kitava) - Brought tributes to Yudhisthira (II.47.10); joined the Kauravas in the war (VI.18.12). Possibly an ancient Makran tribe as the gifts they bore match the products of Makran. Their king Uluka (IX.I.1.25) was the son of Shakuni (VI.68.5).

sahadevasa tu śakunima ulūkaṃ ca mahāradama |
Pitā putrau maheṣvāsāva abhyavartata durjayau (VI.68.5)
te vairāmāḥ pārathāśa ca vaṅgāśa ca kitavaiḥ saha |
Vividhaṃ balima āthāya ratnāni vividhāni ca (II.47.10)

The Mahabharata Tribe - Kitava (kitava) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Kitawat (kitāvata) who live in Jaipur district in Rajasthan.

15. Kirata (kirāta) - Hailed from the eastern Himalayas and played a crucial role in the epic. Their ruler Bhagadatta was a powerful ally of Duryodhana and brought a division of elephants to the Kauravas. (VI.20.13)

śārathvataśa cottaradhūra mahātmā; maheṣvāso gautamaśa citrayodhī |
Śakaiḥ kirātaira yavanaiḥ pahlavaiśa ca; sārdhaṃ camūma uttarato ऽbhipāti (VI.20.13)

16. Kukura (kukura) - A very ancient northwestern tribe and branch of the Yadava confederacy. Mentioned in (geography' (VI. 10.41) and the tribute list (II.48.14). Supported Duryodhana in the war (VI. 47.7) .

saṃsdānāḥ śūrasenāśa ca veṇikāḥ kukurāsa tadā |
Ārevakāsa tarigartāśa ca mathrakā yavanāsa tadā (VI.47.7)
ambaṣṭhāḥ kaukurāsa tārkṣyā vastrapāḥ pahlavaiḥ saha |
Vasātayaḥ samauleyāḥ saha kaṣudrakamālavaiḥ (II.48.14)

The Mahabharata Tribe - Kukura (kukura) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Khokhar which is a derivative of Kukar. Khokhars are mentioned in Vayu Purana and Visnu Purana as 'Kokarakas'. [20] [21]


17. Kuntala (kuntala) - There were two Kuntala countries, one in the north and another in the south. The southern Kuntalas fought with the Kauravas (VI.47.12).

pauṇḍrako vāsuthevaśa ca vaṅgaḥ kāliṅgakasa tadā |
Ākarṣaḥ kuntalaśa caiva vānavāsyāndhrakāsa tadā (II.31.11)

The Mahabharata Tribe - Kuntala (kuntala) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Kuntal (kuṃtala).[22]

18. Kuluta (kulūta) - Hailed from the modern Kulu- Kangra region and fought on the side of the Kauravas (VI.10.52), (VII.8.45).

kāśmīrāḥ sindhusauvīrā gāndhārā darśakāsa tadā |
Abhīsārā kulūtāśa ca śauvalā bāhlikāsa tadā (VI.10.52)

The Mahabharata Tribe - Kuluta (kulūta) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Kulawat (kūlāvata)[23] or Kalwana (kalavānā). [24]

19. Koshala (kausala) - A famous solar dynasty of the Ramayana era; played a minor role in the Mbh. King Brahadvala joined Duryodhana (VI.83.9), but some Koshalas joined the Pandava side (in VIII.8.19; 33.22).

parāgjyotiṣātha anu nṛpaḥ kausalyo ऽda bṛhathbalaḥ |
Mekalaisa taraipuraiśa caiva cicchilaiśa ca samanvitaḥ (VI.83.9)

20. Kshudraka (kaṣudraka) / (Malava) (mālava) - Both tribes (II.48.14) supported the Kauravas (VI.83.7).

ambaṣṭhāḥ kaukurāsa tārkṣyā vastrapāḥ pahlavaiḥ saha |
Vasātayaḥ samauleyāḥ saha kaṣudrakamālavaiḥ (II.48.14)

21. Khasa (khaśa) - A famous Himalayan tribe in Nepal and southwest Kashmir; sided with the Kauravas. (II.48.3)

khaśā ekāśanājyohāḥ paradarā dīrghavenavaḥ |
Paśupāśa ca kuṇindāśa ca taṅgaṇāḥ parataṅgaṇāḥ (II.48.3)
śūdrābhīrāda daradāḥ kāśmīrāḥ paśubhiḥ saha |
:khaśikāśa ca tukhārāśa ca pallavā girigahvarāḥ (VI.10.66)


The Mahabharata Tribe - Khasa (khaśa) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Khasa (khāsā) Khasha (khāsā) who live in Distt Sonipat in Haryana and Sikar district in Rajasthan.

22. Gandhara (gāndhāra) - A northern tribe (VII.200.40) and key allies of the Kauravas. Their king Shakuni lived at the Kaurava court and guided their destinies. Gandhara generally denotes Peshawar and Rawalpindi, though Persian inscriptions reveal that it included Kabul ( Afghanistan). (VI.10.52)

kāśmīrāḥ sindhusauvīrā gāndhārā darśakāsa tadā |
Abhīsārā kulūtāśa ca śauvalā bāhlikāsa tadā (VI.10.52)

The Mahabharata Tribe - Gandhara (gāndhāra) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Gandhar (gāndhāra) in Agra district in villages Bichpuri of Agra district.

23. Govasana (govāsana) - Fought on the side of the Kauravas (VI.11.73), they also brought tribute to Yudhisthira (II.47.5).

govāsanā barāhmaṇāśa ca dāsamīyāśa ca sarvaśaḥ |
Parītyardaṃ te mahābhāgā dharmarājño mahātmanaḥ (II.47.5)

They are from place Gavasen in district Betul in Madhya Pradesh.

24. Chichchhila (ra) (cicchila) - In the Kuru army with Mekala and Traipura (VI.83.9) of the central region.

parāgjyotiṣātha anu nṛpaḥ kausalyo ऽda bṛhathbalaḥ |
Mekalaisa taraipuraiśa caiva cicchilaiśa ca samanvitaḥ

They are from place Chicholi in district Betul in Madhya Pradesh.

25. China (cīnā) - A northwestern tribe (Darunamlecchajatayah VI .10.64); linked with the Kiratas in the army of Bhagadatta. Sided with the Kauravas in the war (III.174.12).

yavanāśa ca sa kāmbojā thāruṇā maleccha jātayaḥ |
Sakṣaththruhaḥ kuntalāśa ca hūṇāḥ pāratakaiḥ saha (VI .10.64)
tadaiva maradhāśa cīnāsa tadaiva daśa mālikāḥ |
Kaṣatriyopaniveśāśa ca vaiśyaśūthra kulāni ca (VI .10.65)

The Mahabharata Tribe - China (cīnā) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Chheena (chīnā) or China (cīnā). [25]

26. Chuchupa (-ka) (cūcupa) - Figured in Duryodhana's army (VI. 47.16); a southern people.

daradaiśa cūcupaiśa caiva tadā kaṣudrakamālavaiḥ |
Abhyarakṣata saṃhṛṣṭaḥ saubaleyasya vāhinīma (VI. 47.16)

27. Tushara (tuṣāra) - A northwestern tribe (XII. 65), sided with the Kauravas (VI.75,VIII.73). (VI.10.66)

śūdrābhīrāda daradāḥ kāśmīrāḥ paśubhiḥ saha |
Khaśikāśa ca tukhārāśa ca pallavā girigahvarāḥ (VI.10.66)

The Mahabharata Tribe - Tushara (tuṣāra) may be identified with Jat Gotras - Tushar (tuṣāra) Tukhar (tukhāra) Tusiar (tusiyara) Tusir (tusīra) Tushir (tuśīra). This gotra originated from Tushara (tuṣāra) janapada mentioned in Mahabharata. This place is now in Gilgit. There was Tusharagiri mountain also. [26]

28. Tundikera (tuṇḍikera) - Sided with the Kauravas (VIII.4.47); from modern Tundikhera in district Narasinghpur in Madhya Pradesh.

māvellakāsa tuṇḍikerāḥ sāvitrī putra kāñcalāha |
Parācyothīcyāḥ paratīcyāśa ca thākṣiṇātyāśa ca māriṣa (VIII.4.47)

29. Trigarta (trigarta) - Dwelled between the Ravi and Sutlej; were major allies of the Kauravas. (VI.47.7)

saṃsdānāḥ śūrasenāśa ca veṇikāḥ kukurāsa tadā |
Ārevakāsa tarigartāśa ca mathrakā yavanāsa tadā (VI.47.7)

The Mahabharata Book 2: Sabha Parva locates them along with Dasarnas, the Sivis, the Amvashtas, the Malavas, the five tribes of the Karnatas around Rohtak in Haryana as under:

śairīṣakaṃ mahecchaṃ ca vaśe cakre mahāthyutiḥ |
Śibīṃsa trigartāna ambaṣṭhāna mālavāna pañca karpaṭāna (II.31.6)

The Trigartas (trigarta) were ancient tribes of Mahabharata period which gave rise to many Jat clans, such as (1) Damal , Damara, Damas, Dhami, Dhamora (2) Kundu, Kadwasra, Kandoli, Kondal, Kont, Konth(3) Dangi, (4) Khanda, Khandaulia, Khandel, Khandia Khandaya, Khodiwal, (5) Jali, (6) Brahman, Brahma, Brahmayan and (7) Janar, Janvar, Janak, Janal, Janar, Janawa .[27]

30. Darvika (darvīka) /Darva (darva) - In 'geography' (VI.10.53); associated with Kashmir; fought with the Kauravas (VII.66.42).

darvīkāḥ sakacā darvā vātajāma radoragāḥ |
Bahu vāthyāśa ca kauravya suthāmānaḥ sumallikāḥ (VI.10.53)

The Mahabharata Tribe - Tushara (tuṣāra) may be identified with Jat Gotras - Darv (darva) Darva (darva) Darawar (dārāvāra) |
[28]

31. Dasam/ Dasameya - Kaurava supporters (VIII.51.22) from Punjab.

The Mahabharata Tribe - Dasam/ Dasameya) may be identified with Jat Gotras - Daseya (daseyā) who live in Nimach district in Madhya Pradesh

32. Narayaia (nārāyaṇa) - A tribe of cowherds and professional warriors from Anarta, Kathiawar. The Narayana army was the personal army of Sri Krishna who gave them to Duryodhana after being chosen by Arjuna (V.7.16). They are also called Gopala (VII.66.38). It seems that other divisions of the Narayana army joined the Pandavas (VIII. 4.59). Probably indicates Punjab, as a region watered by five rivers; conquered by Nakula

mācellakā lalitdāśa ca kekayā madrakāsa tadā |
Nārāyaṇāśa ca gopālāḥ kāmbojānāṃ ca ye gaṇāḥ (VII.66.38)

The Mahabharata Tribe - Narayaia (nārāyaṇa) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Narain (naraina) originated from place name Narei (nareī) surrounded by Capitalia. [29] It is one of the Jat clans as described by Megasthenes.

33. Panchanada (pañcanada) - Probably indicates Punjab, as a region watered by five rivers; conquered by Nakula (II.29.10). Sided with the Kuru army (VI.52.5; VI.20.10).

kṛtsnaṃ pañcanadaṃ caiva tadaivāparaparyaṭama |
Uttarajyotikaṃ caiva tadā vṛṇḍāṭakaṃ purama |
Davārapālaṃ ca tarasā vaśe cakre mahāthyutiḥ (II.29.10)

34. Pahlava (pahlava) - A north-western tribe, defeated by Nakula (II.29.15); joined the Kaurava forces (VI.20.13).

śārathvataśa cottaradhūra mahātmā; maheṣvāso gautamaśa citrayodhī |
Śakaiḥ kirātaira yavanaiḥ pahlavaiśa ca; sārdhaṃ camūma uttarato ऽbhipāti (VI.20.13)

The Mahabharata Tribe - Pahlava (pahlava) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Pahlawat (pahalāvata).

35. Panibhadraka (pāṇibhadraka) - A tribe in Duryodhana's army (VI.47.9), probably from the north Himalayas.

citrasenena sahitāḥ sahitāḥ pāṇibhadrakaiḥ |
Bhīṣmama evābhirakṣantu saha sainyapuraskṛtāḥ (VI.47.9)

The Mahabharata Tribe - Panibhadraka (pāṇibhadraka) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Bhadu.

36. Parada/Parataka (pārada) - In the tribute list (II.48.12); came from the west of the Indus near the ocean, and fought on the side of the Kauravas (VI.83.7).

kāyavyā daradā dārvāḥ śūrā vaiyamakāsa tadā |
Audumbarā durvibhāgāḥ pāradā bāhlikaiḥ saha (II.48.12)
tato ऽnantarama evāsītha bhārathvājaḥ paratāpavāna |
Pulinthaiḥ pāradaiśa caiva tadā kaṣuthrakamālavaiḥ (VI.83.7)


The Mahabharata Tribe - Parada/Parataka (pārada) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Parodiya (pāroḍiyā) who live in Mandsaur district in Madhya Pradesh.

37. Pulinda (pulinda) - A Vindhya tribe which joined the Kuru army (VI.83.7).

tato ऽnantarama evāsītha bhārathvājaḥ paratāpavāna |
Pulindaiḥ pāradaiśa caiva tadā kaṣuthrakamālavaiḥ (VI.83.7)

38. Prasthala (parasdala) - A Trigarta branch who fought in the Kuru army (VI.83.10); could have come from the Punjab or Sind region.

bṛhathbalāta tataḥ śūrasa tarigartaḥ parasdalādhipaḥ |
Kāmbojaira bahubhiḥ sārdhaṃ yavanaiśa ca sahasraśaḥ (VI.83.10)

The Mahabharata Tribe - Prasthala (parasdala) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Paras (parasa) who live in Maharashtra. [30]

39. Bhoja (bhoja) - Descendants of Yayati's son Druhyu (Mbh.I.80.26), they were closely linked With the Yadavas in the epic. (VI.20.14) One branch headed by Krtavarma sided with the Kauravas.

yadosa tu yādavā jātāsa turvasora yavanāḥ sutāḥ |
Daruhyora api sutā bhojā anosa tu maleccha jātayaḥ (I.80.26)
mahāradaira andhakavṛṣṇibhojaiḥ; saurāṣṭrakaira nairṛtaira āttaśastraiḥ |
Bṛhathbalaḥ kṛtavarmābhigupto; balaṃ tavathīyaṃ thakṣiṇato ऽbhipāti (VI.20.14)

The Mahabharata Tribe - Bhoja (bhoja) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Bhoj (bhoja) found in Nimach district in Madhya Pradesh.

40. Malava (mālava) - The name Malava occurs separately as well as in the form of Kshudraka-Malava; they were a Punjab tribe according to the digvijaya of Karna (III.241.67). Nakula also defeated them (II.29.6). They joined the Kuru army and protected Bhishma and Drona (VI.83.6-7). The Malava tribe is famous for its resistance to Alexandaer in the region between Ravi and Chenab.

agrataḥ sarvasainyānāṃ bhīṣmaḥ śāṃtanavo yayau |
Mālavaira dākṣiṇātyaiśa ca āvantyaiśa ca samanvitaḥ (VI.83.6)
tato ऽnantarama evāsītha bhārathvājaḥ paratāpavāna |
Pulinthaiḥ pārathaiśa caiva tadā kaṣudrakamālavaiḥ (VI.83.7)

The Mahabharata Tribe - Malava (mālava) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Mall (malla) or Malli (mallī).

41. Mahishmati (māhiṣmatī) - Ruled by King Nila of the Haihaya dynasty and subdued by Karna (III.241.56) and later by Sahadeva (II.28.11). In the War, nila was on the Kaurava side (V.19). The city is identified with modern Mandhata on an island in the Narmada.

tato ratnānya upāthāya purīṃ māhiṣmatīṃ yayau |
Tatra nīlena rājñā sacakre yuthdhaṃ nararṣabhaḥ (II.28.11)

The city of Mahishmati, Capital of King Nila,where the battle that took place between king Nila and the mighty Sahadeva. Nila (nīla) is gotra of Jats found in Tonk, Jaipur districts in Rajasthan.

42. Munda (muṇḍa) - Fought in the Kuru army (VI.52.9), and were a northwestern tribe (III.48.21). Shalya Parva (IX.44.90)

hārahūṇāṃśa ca cīnāṃśa ca tukhārāna saindhavāṃsa tadā |
Jāguḍāna ramaṭhāna muṇḍāna satrī rājyāna ada taṅgaṇāna(III.48.21)
tariśiṭhā daviśikhāśa caiva tadā sapta śikhāḥ pare |
Śikhaṇḍino mukuṭino muṇḍāśa ca jaṭilāsa tadā (IX.44.90)

The Mahabharata Tribe - Munda (muṇḍa) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Mund (mūṃḍa)

Bhim Singh Dahiya writes that the Allahabad pillar inscription of Samudragupta mentions about Munda clan.[31]

43. Mekala (mekala) - They fought on the side of the Kauravas (VIII. 17.2, VI. 83-9; 47.13). Mekala is the hill range in Gondwana from where the Narmada flows, and has been identified with Amarkantak.

parācyāśa ca dākṣiṇātyāśa ca paravīrā gajayodhinaḥ |
Aṅgā vaṅgāśa ca puṇḍrāśa ca māgadhāsa tāmraliptakāḥ (VIII. 17.2)
mekalāḥ kośalā madrā daśārṇā niṣadhāsa tadā |
Gajayuthdheṣu kuśalāḥ kaliṅgaiḥ saha bhārata (VIII. 17.3)
cedivatsāḥ karūṣāśa ca bhojāḥ sindhupulinthakāḥ |
Uttamaujā daśārṇāśa ca mekalāśa cotkalaiḥ saha (VI.10.39)


44. Lalittha (lalitda) - Figure in the Kuru army (VIII.4.46); could be a Rajput tribe from Azamgarh.

mālavā madrakāśa caiva daraviḍāśa cogravikramāḥ |
Yaudheyāśa ca lalitdāśa ca kaṣuthrakāśa cāpya uśīnarāḥ (VIII.4.46)

45. Vanga (vaṅga) - Probably from Bengal, they brought tributes to Yudhisthira (II.47.10). The eastern Vangas were elephant fighters in the Kuru army (VIII. 17.2).

parācyāśa ca dākṣiṇātyāśa ca paravīrā gajayodhinaḥ |
Aṅgā vaṅgāśa ca puṇḍrāśa ca māgadhāsa tāmraliptakāḥ (VIII. 17.2)

46. Vanayu (vanāyu) - Listed in 'geography' (VI.10.54); they figured in the Kuru army as special forces of the Gandhara king (VIII.4.96) and came from the Wana valley in Pakistan.

vadhrāḥ karīṣakāśa cāpi kulinthopatyakāsa tadā |
Vanāyavo daśā pārśvā romāṇaḥ kuśa bindavaḥ (VI.10.54)

47. Vasatis (vasāti) - Figure in the tribute list (II.48.14). They sided with the Kauravas (VI.47.14, VI. 18.12) and came from the Mula pass in Baluchistan or somewhere in Makran.

ambaṣṭhāḥ kaukurāsa tārkṣyā vastrapāḥ pahlavaiḥ saha |
Vasātayaḥ samauleyāḥ saha kaṣudrakamālavaiḥ (II.48.14)
radā viṃśatisāhasrāsa tadaiṣāma anuyāyinaḥ |
Abhīṣāhāḥ śūrasenāḥ śibayo ऽda vasātayaḥ (VI. 18.12)

The Mahabharata Tribe - Vasatis (vasāti) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Basati (basāti).

48. Vatadhana (vāṭadhāna) - An important Jat and Brahmin tribe, In geography (VI.10.45), they sided with the Kauravas in the Great War (VI.52.4); hailed from Varana near Kurukshetra (V.19.30).

tathā madhyamikāyāṃśa ca vāṭadhānāna dvijāna ada |
Punaśa ca parivṛtyāda puṣkarāraṇyavāsinaḥ (II.29.7)
mallāḥ sudeṣṇāḥ parāhūtāsa tadā māhiṣa kārṣikāḥ |
Vāhīkā vāṭadhānāśa ca ābhīrāḥ kālatoyakāḥ (VI.10.45)
aśvatdāmā kṛpaśa caiva śīrṣama āstāṃ yaśasvinau |
Tarigartaira matsyakaikeyaira vāṭadhānaiśa ca saṃyutau (VI.52.4)
tataḥ pañcanathaṃ caiva kṛtsnaṃ ca kurujāṅgalama |
Tadā rohita kāraṇyaṃ maru bhūmiśa ca kevalā (V.19.29)
ahica chatraṃ kālakūṭaṃ gaṅgākūlaṃ ca bhārata |
Vāraṇā vāṭadhānaṃ ca yāmunaśa caiva parvataḥ (V.19.30)

The Mahabharata Tribe - Vatadhana (vāṭadhāna) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Vatdhan (vāṭadhāna) Vattadhana (vāṭadhāna) Batdhan (bāṭadhāna) Batar (bāṭaḍa़) found in Punjab and Rajasthan. They are called Batar in Rajasthan.

49. Vikarna (vikarṇa) - Fought in the army of Kauravas (VI. 47.15); also the name of a Kaurava prince.

tato thuryodhano rājā sahitaḥ sarvasotharaiḥ |
Aśvātakaira vikarṇaiśa ca tadā śarmila kosalaiḥ (VI. 47.15)

50. Vikunja (vikuñja) - They were in the Kuru army (VI. 52.9).

kānanāśa ca vikuñjāśa ca muktāḥ puṇḍrāviṣasa tadā |
Bṛhathbalena sahitā vāmaṃ pakṣama upāśritāḥ (VI. 52.9)

51. Venika (veṇika) - Fought in the Kuru army (VI. 47.7).

saṃsdānāḥ śūrasenāśa ca veṇikāḥ kukurāsa tadā |
Ārevakāsa tarigartāśa ca mathrakā yavanāsa tadā (VI. 47.7)

The Mahabharata Tribe - Venika (veṇika) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Beniwal (benīvāla) Veniwal (veṇivāla) .

52. Shalva (śālva) - An important tribe associated with Madras and Matsyas, spread over western India from Yamuna to Sind. The Salva kingdom in the story of Savitri was adjacent to Kuru-Panchala and lay between the Yamuna and Sarasvati. They fought on the side of the Kauravas (VI. 18.13, VI.20.12).

śālvā matsyāsa tadāmbaṣṭhāsa tarigartāḥ kekayāsa tadā |
Sauvīrāḥ kitavāḥ parācyāḥ paratīcyothīcyamālavāḥ (VI. 18.13)
vārthdhakṣatriḥ sarvasainyasya madhye; bhūriśravāḥ purumitro jayaśa ca |
Śālvā matsyāḥ kekayāśa cāpi sarve; gajānīkaira bharātaro yotsyamānāḥ (VI.20.12)

The Salvas were a branch of the Madras and were ruling at Sialkot. We know that the Madras were Vahikas and Jartas. Since according to grammatical illustration of Chandra-gomin the Jarta defeated the Huns, which means Skanda Gupta defeated the Huns. Hence Jartas are Jats. [32]

53. Sura (śūrā) - Fought in the Kuru army among the tribes of the northwest (VI.20.30); considered identical with the Sur tribe of Afghanistan. (II.29.5), (II.31.13). Mahabharata Bhisma Parva mentions about these people in shloka 38 as under:

śūrasenāḥ kaliṅgāśa ca bodhā maukāsa tadaiva ca |
Matsyāḥ sukuṭyaḥ saubalyāḥ kuntalāḥ kāśikośalāḥ (VI.10.38)
tatra yuddhaṃ mahada vṛttaṃ śūraira mattamayūrakaiḥ |
Maru bhūmiṃ ca kārtsnyena tadaiva bahu dhānyakama (II.29.5)
bāhlikāśa cāpare śūrā rājānaḥ sarva eva te |
Virāṭaḥ saha putraiśa ca mācellaśa ca mahāradaḥ |
Rājāno rājaputrāśa ca nānājanapatheśvarāḥ (II.31.13)

kāyavyā daradā dārvāḥ śūrā vaiyamakāsa tadā |
Audumbarā durvibhāgāḥ pāradā bāhlikaiḥ saha (II.48.12)
thivyāśa cāpya āntarikṣāśa ca pārdivāśa cānilopamāḥ |
Vayādiṣṭā daivataiḥ śūrāḥ sakandasyānucarābhavana (IX.44.109)


The Mahabharata Tribe - Sura (śūrā) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Shura (śūrā)

54. Surasena (śūrasena) - An ancient people held in high esteem in the Mbh. (VIII.30.73); their capital was in Mathura. They sided with the [[[Kaurava]]s in the war (VI. 47.7, 57.7).

śūrasenāḥ kaliṅgāśa ca bodhā maukāsa tadaiva ca
matsyāḥ sukuṭyaḥ saubalyāḥ kuntalāḥ kāśikośalāḥ (VI.10.38)

saṃsdānāḥ śūrasenāśa ca veṇikāḥ kukurāsa tadā |
Ārevakāsa tarigartāśa ca mathrakā yavanāsa tadā (VI.47.7)
vasātayo mahārāja thavisāhasrāḥ parahāriṇaḥ |
Śūrasenāśa ca vikrāntāḥ sarve yudhi nipātitāḥ (VIII.4.36)


The Mahabharata Tribe - Surasena (śūrasena) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Shura (śūrā)

55. Samsthana - Protected Bhishma in the Kaurava army (VI. 47.7).

56. Simhala (siṃghala) - A tribe whose representatives served as bondsmen at Yudhisthira's court (III. 48.20.); also the old name of Sri Lanka. They sided with the Kauravas (VII. 19.7).

The Mahabharata Tribe - Simhala (siṃghala) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Singhal (siṃghala) who live in Sikar district of Rajasthan and in Mehrauli district of south Delhi.

57. Sindhu-Sauvira (sindhu-suvīra) - An ancient people of Sind (VIII.112.108, V. 72.14) who fought on the Kaurava side. Their king Jayadratha was the son-in-law of Dhrtarastra (VIII.4.11).

aja binthuḥ suvīrāṇāṃ surāṣṭrāṇāṃ kuśarthdhikaḥ |
Arkajaśa ca balīhānāṃ cīnānāṃ dhautamūlakaḥ (V.72.14)
sindhurāṣṭramukhānīha daśa rāṣṭrāṇi yasya vai |
Vaśe tiṣṭhanti vīrasya yaḥ saditasa tava śāsane (VIII.4.11)

The Mahabharata Tribe - Sindhu (sindhu) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Sindhu (sindhu)
The Mahabharata Tribe - Sauvira (suvīra) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Siwar (sīvara)

58. Surastra (surāṣṭra) - A southwest tribe mentioned several times (VI. 10.47, II.28.39, II.28.40); joined the Kaurava army (VI. 20.14).

upāvṛścānupāvṛśca surāṣṭrāḥ kekayāsa tadā |
Kuṭṭāparāntā thavaidheyāḥ kākṣāḥ sāmuthra niṣkuṭāḥ (VI. 10.47)
āhṛtiṃ kauśikācāryaṃ yatnena mahatā tataḥ |
Vaśe cakre mahābāhuḥ surāṣṭrādhipatiṃ tadā (II.28.39)
surāṣṭra viṣayasdaśa ca pareṣayāma āsa rukmiṇe |
Rājñe bhojakaṭasdāya mahāmātrāya dhīmate (II.28.40)
mahāradaira andhakavṛṣṇibhojaiḥ; saurāṣṭrakaira nairṛtaira āttaśastraiḥ |
Bṛhathbalaḥ kṛtavarmābhigupto; balaṃ tavathīyaṃ thakṣiṇato ऽbhipāti (VI. 20.14)

59. Hamsamarga (haṃsamārga) - Listed in 'geography' (VI. 10.68); they joined the Kaurava army (VII. 19.7).

tāmarā haṃsamārgāśa ca tadaiva karabhañjakāḥ |
Uththeśa mātreṇa mayā theśāḥ saṃkīrtitāḥ parabho (VI. 10.68)

The Mahabharata Tribe - Hamsamarga (haṃsamārga) may be identified with Jat Gotra - Hans (haṃsa) or Hansawat (haṃsāvata).

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