countries sided with kouravas & pandavas

In the Mahabharata, many kingdoms and regions aligned with either the Kauravas or the Pandavas during the great war at Kurukshetra. Here’s a breakdown of the main allies of each side:

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Allies of the Kauravas:

1. Anga – Ruled by Karna, a staunch ally of Duryodhana.

2. Gandhara – Shakuni, Duryodhana’s uncle, was from Gandhara.

3. Bahlika – Kingdom of Bhishma’s elder brother, who sided with the Kauravas.

4. Kalinga – Sent several troops to support the Kauravas.

5. Sindhu – Jayadratha, the Sindhu king, fought for the Kauravas.

6. Bhoja (certain factions) – Kritavarma of the Bhoja clan sided with the Kauravas.

7. Madra – Shalya, the Madra king (though Pandavas' maternal uncle), was tricked into joining the Kauravas.

8. Trigarta – Headed by Susharma, enemies of Arjuna.

9. Avanti – Two brothers, Vinda and Anuvinda, supported the Kauravas.

10. Magadha (under Jarasandha’s descendants) – Supported Duryodhana.

11. Other Mleccha and foreign tribes – Like the Yavanas, Shakas, and others allied with Duryodhana.

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Allies of the Pandavas:

1. Panchala – Drupada, father of Draupadi, was a major supporter.

2. Matsya – King Virata, whose kingdom sheltered the Pandavas during exile.

3. Dwaraka/Yadava clan – Led by Krishna and Satyaki (though Kritavarma went with Kauravas).

4. Chedi – Ruled by Shishupala’s descendant Dhrishtaketu, a supporter of the Pandavas.

5. Kashi (Varanasi) – Joined the Pandavas.

6. Kekaya – Five brothers supported the Pandavas; they were related to Kunti.

7. Magadha (partially) – Some factions supported Pandavas (e.g., Sahadeva of Magadha).

8. Yudhishthira’s allies through marriage – Several kingdoms aligned through marriage relations, such as those connected to Draupadi and Subhadra.

9. Rakshasas and Tribals – Like Ghatotkacha, son of Bhima and Hidimbi.

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