[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975) › c8.842 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c8.842 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c8.842 - **Language:** English ### [c8.842](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.842) MEKHALA (MEKALA). Mekhala was a country which had attained Purāṇic fame in ancient India. The inhabitants of this place were called Mekhalas. They were the bodyguards of Bhīṣma. (Chapter 51, Bhīṣma Parva). They formed a separate division in the army of Bṛhannala, King of Kosala. (Chapter 87, Bhīṣma Parva). Once Karṇa conquered this country. (Śloka 8, Chapter 4, Droṇa Parva). Mekhalas were Kṣatriyas formerly. But they became persons of low caste when they showed jealousy towards the brahmins. (Śloka 17, Chapter 35, Anuśāsana Parva). - [Previous: c8.841](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.841) - [Next: c8.843](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.843) - [Up: c8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8) ## Cites (1) - [Mahābhārata](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.mahabharata.vyasa) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.842](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.842) · Pramāṇa