Pandya Kingdom refers to the Pandyas of the Mahabharata period. This kingdom was the precursor of the Pandyan Empire that rubbed shoulders with the Cheras and Cholas. The Karna Parva is entirely dedicated to the exploits of a Pandyan king called Malayadhwaja, who was a fearsome warrior, took on Ashvatthama and fought on the side of the Pandavas. He was slain by Ashwatthama.
A Pandya king was also present in the Swayamvara of Draupadi. There are numerous Draupadi shirnes in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Yudhisthira describes how Krishna broke the gates of Pandyan King and defeated him. Ancient Tamil literature claims that Chitrangada, the wife of Arjuna was a Pandyan princess. In Tamil sources she is the princess of Manalur.
A Chera King(King of Udipi) had the honor of feeding both the armies of the epic battle of Mahabharata. He used to liaise with both the warring groups, such was the respect he commanded and so was his state’s prosperity.
