Andhra (Telugu: ఆంధ్ర) in Indian epic literature was a kingdom mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. It was a southern kingdom. Andhra and Kalinga are often used interchangeably. Andhras are sub-tribes of Andhra satavahanas. The state Andhra Pradesh got its name from this kingdom.
Andhra Tribes are also mentioned in the Vayu and Matsya Purana. In the Mahabharata the infantry of Satyaki was composed of a tribe called Andhras, known for their long hair,tall stature, sweet language, and mighty prowess. They lived along the banks of the Godavari river. Andhras and Kalingas supported the Kauravas during the Mahabharata war. Sahadeva defeated the kingdoms of Pandya, Dravida, Odra, Chera, Andhra, and Kalinga while performing the Rajasuya yajna. Buddhist references to Andhras are also found.
The earliest mention of the Andhras is said to be in Aitereya Brahmana (2000 BC). It indicates that the Andhras, originally living in north India migrated to south of the Vindhyas. The Andhras were nomads for several centuries. Some tribes migrated and others did not and remained in their older settlements. the Andhra tribes crossed the Vindhya mountains, reached the south, and merged with the other Andhra tribes.They are mentioned at the time of the death of the great Mauryan King Ashoka in 232 BC. This date has been considered to be the beginning of the Andhra historical record. Various dynasties have ruled the area, including the Andhra (or Satavahana), Sakas, Ikshvakus, Eastern Chalukyas, the Vijayanagar Kingdom.
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