Introduction

In the ancient past, the Kingdom of Anga was a very large and powerful state in the Indian subcontinent. At the time of the early Iron Age, it was at the peak of its game, which it did from what is today central Bihar and into parts of Bengal. Also known to have had its capital in Champa (which was also known as Malini), which was a great centre of power, trade, and culture. As one of the sixteen great Mahajanapadas, Anga was a key player in the political and social structure of what we today call South Asia before it slowly came under the Magadhan Empire.

Mythological Origins and Lineage

The Anga’s origins are rooted in the mythological past of ancient India. In the Mahabharata, we are told that the kingdom was founded by the eponymous King Anga. He is said to be the son of King Vali, which in turn places him within the Magadha line. Also, it is said that five separate royal houses, Anga, Vanga, Kalinga, Pundra, and Suhma, were founded by five brothers, all descendants of Vali.

In the early Vedic age, the people of Anga were a separate culture from that of the Vedic Aryans. The Atharva Veda reports on the Angas’ use of the term Mlechas, which it applied to non-Indo-European groups living outside Vedic customs. This difference indicates that Anga had a non-Vedic culture, which only at a later date came under or fell to the influence of the Aryan traditions.

The story of Karna in the Mahabharata.

Perhaps in the popular memory, the Anga kingdom is known for its great hero, Karna, from the Mahabharata. In that which is told, the Kuru prince Duryodhana’s aim to challenge the Pandavas saw him bestow the Anga throne upon his friend Karna. At the time, Anga was probably a collection of sub-regions. This installation may also represent a historical Indo-European political push into eastern areas.

Karna is noted for his military strength, which he used to rule. Also of note is the fact that he was given the city of Malini from Jarasandha, the great king of Magadha, which in turn was renamed Champa. Also, his line passed through his son Vrishasena, who, we are told, was the Chief of the Angas at the time; thus, we see the hereditary quality of the monarchy, which was put in place at this time.

Religious and Cultural Significance

Beyond its military past, Anga has a special place in religious history. In the Ramayana, we see a different legend related to the name of the kingdom. It is said that here Lord Shiva, in a fit of rage, reduced Kamadeva (the God of Love) to ashes. This myth, which is out of the ordinary, gives the region a spiritual importance.