Tribes in Ancient India c41.5

c41.5

The *Mahābhārata*² places the Pulindas in the Dakṣiṇāpatha (Deccan), along with the Andhras, Guhas, Śavaras, Cucukas and Madrakas. The *Matsya* and *Vāyu Purāṇas*³ also describe them as *Dakṣiṇāpatha-vāsinah* (dwelling in the Deccan), along with the Vaidarbhas, Daṇḍakas, Vindhyas and others. The *Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa*⁴ too places the Pulindas in the Deccan, and classes them with the Puṇḍrakas, Keralas, Kaliṅgas, Ābhīras, Andhras, Vidarbhas and Kuntalas. The *Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam* (2, 4, 18) associates them with the Kirātas, Hūṇas, Andhras, Pulkusas, Ābhīras, Suhmas, Yavanas and Khaśas, all of whom sought the protection of Śrī Kṛṣṇa.