Rishikas Explained

The Rishikas (also Rshika and Ṛṣika) was an ancient Kingdom of Central Asia and South Asia, who are mentioned in Hindu and Sanskrit literary texts, including the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, the Brhat-Samhita, the Markendeya Purana and Patanjali's Mahabhashya.^[1]

Some historians believe the Rishikas were a part of, or synonymous with, the Kambojas. However, the Mahabharata not only suggests a distinction, but also adds an internal division – sub-divisions within the Rishikas known as the Uttara ("northern") and the Parama ("supreme") .^[2]

Notes and References

1. However, the Rishikas are not mentioned in the Ashtadhyayi of Pāṇini.

2. Lohan.ParamaKambojan.Rishikan.uttaranapi |

   sahita.nstanmaharaja vyajayatpakashasanih ||24||

   Rishikeshu tu sanggramo babhuvAtibhaya.n karah|

   taraka maya sankashah Paramarshika parthayoh ||25||