Anga, Banga, and Kalinga are historical kingdoms that correspond to the contemporary areas of Bihar (Anga), Bengal (Banga), and Odisha/Northern Andhra Pradesh (Kalinga). Frequently mentioned in political discussions as the “three pillars” of eastern India, they symbolize a historical, cultural, and geographical cohesion within the Indian subcontinent.
- Anga: Traditionally linked to present-day Bihar, it is renowned as the kingdom bestowed upon Karna by Duryodhan in the Mahabharata.
- Banga: Denotes the ancient realm of Bengal, which encompasses contemporary West Bengal and Bangladesh.
- Kalinga: The historical designation for the majority of modern Odisha and sections of northern Andhra Pradesh, noted for its connection to the Kalinga war.