RISHIKAS

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.

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") .

Classical literary texts state that the Rishikas were neighbors of the Parama Kambojas and the Lohas in Saka-dvipa ("Sakaland") (most likely Transoxiana).

According to traditional accounts, during the 2nd century BCE a subgroup of Rishikas migrated to southwestern India and settled there, crossing Afghanistan, Balochistan, Sindhu and Sovira.

Katyaayana in his Rigveda Sarvanukramani lists the 27 Rishikas as follows, saying these are the brahmavadinis or female vedic scholars.

godha ghosha vishwavara apalopanishannishat
brahmajaya juhUrnama agastyasya swasa aditih
indrani indramata ca sarama romashorvashi
lopamudra ca nadyashca yami nari ca shashwati
shrirlaksha sarparaj ji vak shraddha medha ca dakshina
ratri surya ca savitri brahmavadinya iritah