Pulinda
Pulinda were an ancient non-Aryan tribe of south-central Indian subcontinent, whose existence is attested during the Iron Age. Pulindas were mentioned in Aitareya Brahmana of the Rigveda as descendants of Sage Vishvamitra, along with Andhras, Pundras, Sabaras, and Mutibas.
Location
During the later Vedic period, the Pulindas were living to the south-east of the Daśārṇas.Though clearly associated with the Vindhyan region, the Pulindas are sometimes believed to have had multiple tribal branches that ranged up to the Himalayan region and Assam. In the Himalayan region, ancient Indian literature often mentions them in conjunction with the Kiratas.
History
In hindu scriptures
Aitareya Brahmana of the RigvedaAccording to Aitareya Brahmana of the Rigveda, sage Vishvamitra had hundred sons, fifty of them were older than Madhuchhanda, and fifty were younger than him. The older ones were not pleased with. Visvamitra then pronounced against them the curse, “ You shall have the lowest castes for your descendants. ” Therefore are many of the most degraded classes of men, the rabble for the most part, such as the Andhras, Pundras, Sabaras, Palindas, and Mutibas, descendants of Visvamitra...”
Puranas
Srimada Bhagavatam refer Andhras, Pundras, Sabaras, Palindas, and Mutibas are referred to as Mleccha.
Early history
The Rock Edicts of Ashoka mention the Pulindas, their capital Pulinda-nagara, and their neighboring tribes. Vayu Purana mentioned their capital located in present-day Jabalpur District of Madhya Pradesh state.
Likewise here in the king's territory, among the Yonas and Kambojas, among the Nabhakas and Nabhapamkits, among the Bhojas and the Pitinikas, among the Andhras and the Pulindas, everywhere are conforming to Beloved-Of-God instruction in morality.
Basak identifies them with the hill tribes of the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, more specifically the Bhils. Pulindas together with the Sabaras are mentioned by Kautilya in Arthashastra.