The Kekayas Tribe, notable for their historical and mythological significance, is referenced in ancient Indian texts such as the Shatapatha Brahmana and the Chandogya Upanishad. These texts indicate that the tribe had deep roots in the cultural and social fabric of early Indian civilization. Ethnically, the Kekayas are believed to have descended from the non-Aryan Anu tribe, and their narrative can be traced back to the Rig Veda, which locates them in the region of Punjab—a territory that they inhabited long before the rise of dominant Aryan influences.
Rajasekhara, in his Kavyamimamsa, attributes the Kekaya country to the northern division of ancient India, known as Uttarapatha
. The Kekayas are mentioned not only in the Ramayana but also in the epic Mahabharata, where they played a significant role during the renowned Kurukshetra war. Notably, the king of the Kekayas was Asvapati, a figure revered for his theological insights and teachings imparted to various Brahmanas. His presence and influence underscored the tribe's intellectual and cultural contributions to the broader spiritual landscape of ancient India.
Historically, the Kekayas were allied with Duryodhana's faction during the Kurukshetra war, illustrating their political affiliations and martial prowess. Their connections with other tribes, such as the Usinaras and the Sivis, also indicate a lineage that has prominence in the Puranas, purportedly descending from one of the sons of Sivi Usinara.
Furthermore, the later migration of a branch of the Kekayas to southern India, particularly Mysore, is corroborated by archaeological findings from sites like the Jagayyapeta stupa in the Krishna district and Nagarjunakonda. These discoveries provide tangible evidence of the Kekayas’ enduring legacy and underscore their historical significance within the broader narrative of ancient Indian civilization.