Early history of Anuppur district is, however, not clearly chronicled. Anuppur is a newly created district out of earstwhile Shahdol district. By local belief the area of the district was the capital of king Virat. Likewise Amarkantak is associated with thepical hermites Bhirgu Markandeya etc. as well as Pandava brothers. The north of Son river is believed to be ruled by Magadh empire. The rulers of Mekala who seem to have come under the overlordship of the Vakataks were known as the Panvanshis of Mekala. The old country of Mekala lay about the present Amarkantak Hills and its name can be traced in the hills of the Maikal range. Some historians think that Mekala was a small tribe living in the tract of country, comprising the modern Amarkantaka hill and the surrounding territory.