Akhanda Bharath

The sixth-century Brihat Samhita, for example, refers to Samatata and Vanga separately. In broad geographical terms, Vanga was associated more strongly with the central and southern Bengal delta, while Samatata became identified particularly with the eastern or trans-Meghna delta.

Tamralipta appears prominently during Bhimasena’s eastern campaign in the Sabha Parva. Before Yudhishthira could perform the Rajasuya sacrifice, his brothers were sent in different directions to establish his political supremacy and obtain tribute from surrounding rulers. Bhima was entrusted with the conquest of the east.

The Adi Parva preserves one of the most important genealogical traditions for the ancient east. In the account of the sage Dirghatamas and Queen Sudeshna, five sons are named Anga, Vanga, Kalinga, Pundra and Suhma, and the text explains that five countries subsequently came to bear their names.

The Mahabharata possesses an extraordinarily detailed knowledge of eastern India. Bhima’s eastern campaign moves through Videha, Magadha, Pundra, Vanga, Suhma and coastal territories, while the Kurukshetra narratives repeatedly mention warriors from Anga, Vanga, Pundra, Kalinga and Tamralipta. The epic also preserves the legendary genealogy in which Anga, Vanga, Kalinga, Pundra and Suhma become the names of five great eastern countries.

The Mahabharata places Pundra firmly within the political geography of eastern India. Pundra repeatedly appears beside kingdoms such as Vanga, Anga, Kalinga, Suhma and Tamralipta, indicating that the epic tradition regarded it as part of a recognisable eastern political and cultural zone rather than as an isolated or vaguely located people.

Vanga can be located broadly within central and southern Bengal, spanning territory in modern Bangladesh and adjoining southern West Bengal. Its boundaries changed greatly through time, and it should not be equated with the whole of Bengal. Historical geography places its strongest core broadly between the Bhagirathi system in the west and the Padma-Meghna system in the east, with particularly strong associations with southern and southeastern parts of present Bangladesh and, in earlier periods, portions of southern West Bengal.

Kishkindha belongs primarily to the geography of the Ramayana, but it also occupies a meaningful place within the Mahabharata. During the Vana Parva, the sage Markandeya recounts the story of Rama to Yudhishthira in the celebrated Ramopakhyana. That account specifically names Pampa, Rishyamukha, Kishkindha and Malyavat, recounting Rama’s meeting with Sugriva, the death of Vali and Sugriva’s restoration to the throne. Elsewhere in the Mahabharata, Hanuman himself tells Bhima about his friendship with Sugriva, Sugriva’s exile at Rishyamukha and Rama’s arrival.

The strongest connection between Setu and the Mahabharata occurs in the Vana Parva. During the Pandavas’ exile, the sage Markandeya narrates the story of Rama to Yudhishthira, recounting major episodes from Rama’s exile, Sita’s abduction, the alliance with the vanaras and the campaign against Ravana. When Rama’s enormous army reaches the southern ocean, the sea itself becomes the final obstacle separating him from Lanka.

One of the clearest references appears in the Bhishma Parva during the epic’s famous description of Bharatavarsha. When the southern regions are enumerated, the text names the Dravidas, Keralas, Mushikas and Vanavashikas, followed by Karanatakas, Mahishakas, Kuntalas, Cholas and many other peoples. The passage firmly places the Dravidas among the recognised countries and communities of southern Bharata.

One of the most vivid Pandya references occurs during the description of the extraordinary tribute brought to Yudhishthira’s Rajasuya sacrifice at Indraprastha. The Sabha Parva remembers the kings of Chola and Pandya arriving with rich products from the far south. They brought golden vessels containing fragrant sandal preparations from the southern mountains, quantities of sandalwood and aloe wood, brilliant gems and finely worked cloth.