Map of ancient Indian kingdoms.

The Nishada Kingdom (Sanskrit: निशादniṣāda) was the kingdom of the Nishada Tribe, a tribe of people who the Vedic people considered valour and courageous. Nishadha were scattered peoples, according to sources in Hindu mythology.

Ekalavya was a king of a Nishada tribe. He attacked Dwaraka once, and was killed by Vasudeva Krishna in the battle. This kingdom was located in Aravalli ranges in Rajasthan state of India, possibly the district named Bhilwara. Other than the kingdom of Ekalavya there were many other Nishada kingdoms.

Nala-Damayanti

Nishadha was the kingdom of the celebrated king Nala, who loved and married Damayanti the princess of Vidarbha Kingdom. This kingdom is identified with current day Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh. Nishadha was connected to Dasarna and Kosala as well as with Vidarbha through trade routes.

Description in Ramayana[link]

The main profession of Nishaadas was hunting birds. When a Nishaada had killed one bird from a pair, the other bird was remorseful of its loss and was in pangs of pain, observing this deep pain inspired the sage Valmiki to write the life history of king Rama of Ayodhya and his dutiful wife queen Sita, who lived in separation due to her capture by deceit by the egoistic demon-like king Ravana. This poetic historical record is revered in India as a guide to highest ideals of human-life, is known as the Ramayana, or the record of king Rama's life.^[1] In Ramayana, the king of Nishaadas, named Guha, was a very close friend of Rama. He helps Rama and Sita to cross Ganges river.

References in Mahabharata[link]

Damayanti leaving for Nishadha, after her wedding to Nala, Mahabharata

The Mahabharata speaks of Nishaada (or Shabara) as forest hunters.^[2] Nishadas were mentioned as tribes that have the hills and the forests for their abode.People who made mother nature their home.They ruled over the hills,plains,land and dominated over the water. They were linked with a king called Vena (See Saraswata Kingdom) . (12,58). Nishadas lived in hamlets (12,328).

Connection with the Kuru Dynasty of kings[link]

• Mahabharata, Book 1, Chapter 94

Samvarana begat upon his wife, Tapati, the daughter of Surya, a son named Kuru. He was installed on the throne by his people. It is after his name that the field called Kurujangala has become so famous in the world. Devoted to asceticism, he made that field (Kurukshetra) sacred by practising asceticism there. Kuru’s wife, Vahini, brought forth five sons, viz., Avikshit, Bhavishyanta, Chaitraratha, Muni and the celebrated Janamejaya (Janamejaya the 2nd). And Avikshit begat Parikshit (Parikshit the 1st) the powerful, Savalaswa, Adhiraja (Dantavaktra was a king of the Adhirajas), Viraja, Salmali of great physical strength, Uchaihsravas, Bhangakara and Jitari the eighth. In the race of these were born, seven mighty car-warriors with Janamejaya (Janamejaya the 3rd) at their head. And unto Parikshit (Parikshit the 1st) were born Kakshasena and Ugrasena, and Chitrasena and Indrasena and Sushena and Bhimasena. And the sons of Janamejaya (Janamejaya the 3rd) were Dhritarashtra (Dhritarashtra the 1st)who was the eldest, and Pandu (Pandu the 1st) and Valhika (Vahlika the 1st), and Nishadha and Jamvunada, and then Kundodara and Padati and then Vasati the eighth.

Among them Dhritarashtra (Dhritarashtra the 1st) became king. And Dhritarashtra (Dhritarashtra the 1st) had eight sons, viz., Kundika, Hasti, Vitarka, Kratha the fifth, Havihsravas, Indrabha, and Bhumanyu, and Dhritarashtra (Dhritarashtra the 1st) had many grandsons, of whom three only were famous. They were, O king, Pratipa, Dharmanetra, Sunetra. Among these three, Pratipa became unrivalled on earth. And, Pratipa begat three sons, viz., Devapi, Santanu, and Valhika (Vahlika the 2nd). The eldest Devapi adopted the ascetism. And the kingdom was obtained by Santanu and Valhika.

The history of King Nala of Nishadha[link]

• Mahabharata, Book 3, Chapter 50

There was a celebrated king among the Nishadhas, named Virasena. He had a son named Nala, versed in the knowledge of virtue and wealth. It hath been heard by us that, that king was deceitfully defeated by Pushkara, and afflicted with calamity, he dwelt in the woods with his spouse Damayanti.

Nala to Damayanti, on the roads running through Nishadha Kingdom[link]

• Mahabharata, Book 3, Chapter 61

These many roads lead to the southern country, passing by (the city of) Avanti and the Rikshavat mountains. This is that mighty mountain called Vindhya; yon, the river Payasvini running seawards, and yonder are the asylums of the ascetics, furnished with various fruit and roots. This road leadeth to the country of the Vidarbhas—and that, to the country of the Kosalas. Beyond these roads to the south is the southern country.’ Addressing Bhima’s daughter, he distressed king Nala spake those words unto Damayanti over and over again.

Giriprastha, a place in Nishadha[link]

• Mahabharata, Book 3, Chapter 313

Indra for the purpose of overcoming his foes, dwelt in disguise in the asylum of Giriprastha, in Nishadha and thus attained his end.

A Mountain Range named Nishadha[link]

• Mahabharata, Book 6, Chapter 6

Stretching from east to west, are these six mountains that extend from the eastern to the western ocean. They are Himavat, Hemakuta, that best of mountains called Nishadha, Nila abounding with stones of lapis lazuli, Sweta white as the moon, and the mountains called Sringavat composed of all kinds of metals.

• Mahabharata, Book 6, Chapter 7

On the south of Nila and the north of Nishadha, there is a huge Jamvu tree that is eternal.

• Mahabharata, Book 6, Chapter 8

On the south of Sweta and the north of Nishadha, is the Varsha (Region or a sub-continent), called Romanaka. The men that are born there are all of white complexion, of good parentage, and handsome features. And the men born there are also all without enemies. On the south of Nishadha is the Varsha called Hiranmaya where is the river called Hiranwati. There liveth the great Garuda. And the people there are all followers of the Yakshas, wealthy, and of handsome features. The men there are endued with great strength and have cheerful hearts.

Nishadha, in the list of Kingdoms in Bharata Varsha (Ancient India)[link]

• Mahabharata, Book 6, Chapter 9

..........the Pundras, the Bhargas, the Kiratas, the Sudeshnas, and the Yamunas, the Sakas, the Nishadhas, the Anartas, the Nairitas, the Durgalas, the Pratimasyas, the Kuntalas, and the Kusalas; the Tiragrahas, the Ijakas, the Kanyakagunas, the Tilabharas, the Samiras, the Madhumattas,..........

Nishadhas in Kurukshetra War[link]

• Mahabharata, Book 7, Chapter 20

Drona sets the troops in Garuda Military Configuration

In the tail of the array stood Vikartana’s son Karna, with his sons, kinsmen and friends, and surrounded by a large force raised from diverse realms, Jayadratha, and Bhimaratha, and Sampati, and the Jays, and the Bhojas, and Bhuminjaya, and Vrisha, and Kratha, and the mighty ruler of the Nishadhas, all accomplished in battle, surrounded by a large host, in the heart of that array.

Karna's Military Campaign[link]

• Mahabharata, Book 8, Chapter 8

He had subjugated many invincible and mighty foes—the Gandharas, the Madrakas, the Matsyas, the Trigartas, the Tanganas, the Khasas, the Pancalas, the Videhas, the Kulindas, the Kasi-kosalas, the Suhmas, the Angas, the Nishadhas, the Pundras, the Kichakas, the Vatsas, the Kalingas, the Taralas, the Asmakas, and the Rishikas.

The different Nishada Kingdoms[link]

Aushmikas, and Nishadas, and Romakas were mentioned as bringing tribute to king Yudhisthira duiring his Rajasuya sacrifice (2,50).

Nishada Kingdom of Ekalavya[link]

Ekalavya was the son of Hiranyadhanus, king of the Nishadas (1,134). He came to Hastinapura to join the military school of Drona.

Ekalavya's kingdom was the most famous Nishada kingdom during the time of the Pandavas. This kingdom was located in Aravalli ranges in Rajasthan state of India, possibly the district named Bhilwara. This kingdom was visited by Sahadeva during his military campaign to the south, to collect tribute for Yudhisthira's Rajasuya sacrifice;- Sahadeva, the Kuru warrior, conquered the country of the Nishadas and also the high hill called Gosringa, and that lord of earth called Srenimat (2,30). Nishada and Srenimat were mentioned together again at (5,4).

Ekalavya, the king of the Nishadas, always used to challenge Vasudeva Krishna to battle; but he was slain by Krishna in battle (5,48), (7-178,179) (16,6).

Arjuna had come to Nishada kingdom of Ekalavya, after the Kurukshetra War, to collect tribute for Yudhisthira's Ashwamedha sacrifice.

Arjuna proceeded to the dominions of the Nishada king, viz., the son of Ekalavya. The son of Ekalavya received Arjuna in battle. The encounter that took place between the Kuru hero and the Nishadas was furious. Unvanquished in battle, the valiant son of Kunti defeated the Nishada king who proved an obstacle to the sacrifice. Having subjugated the son of Ekalavya, he proceeded towards the southern ocean. (14,83).

Nishadas on the banks of Saraswati[link]

This Nishadas were the same as the Sudras who dwelled on the banks of Sarasvati River.

A spot named Vinasana on the banks of Sarasvati River is mentioned as the gate to the kingdom of the Nishadas. There the river is completely dried up and exist as a dry river channel (3,130). Pandavas were led to this place by their guide viz sage Lomasa, during their pilgrimage all over India.

Nishada Kingdom in the South India[link]

This kingdom was visited by Sahadeva during his military campaign to the south, to collect tribute for Yudhisthira's Rajasuya sacrifice;- After defeating the Dandakas (Aurangabad, Maharashtra) the Kuru warrior, Sahadeva vanquished and brought under his subjection numberless kings of the Mlechchha tribe living on the sea coast, and the Nishadas and the cannibals and even the Karnapravarnas, and those tribes also called the Kalamukhas (2,30).

This Nishada's battled for the sake of Pandavas in the Kurukshetra War:- The Dravida, the Andhaka, and the Nishada foot-soldiers, urged on by Satyaki, once more rushed towards Karna in that battle (Kurukshetra War) (8,49).

Nishada Kingdom of Manimat[link]

Manimat had his kingdom to the south of Kosala. This kingdom was visited by Bhima during his military campaign to the east, to collect tribute for Yudhisthira's Rajasuya sacrifice;- After conquering Vatsabhumi Bhima defeated the king of the Bhargas, as also the ruler of the Nishadas viz Manimat and numerous other kings (2,29). This kingdom is possibly the Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh. The famous Nishada king named Guha who befriended the Kosala prince Raghava Rama was also was the king of this kingdom.

Nishada Kingdom close to Kalinga and Vanga[link]

A prince named Ketumat is mentioned as battling along with the Kalingas against Bhima, in the Kurukshetra War. He was mentioned as the son of the Nishada king. He could be the son of Manimat the Nishada king, who was defeated formerly by Bhima. Ketumat was slain by Bhima along with the Kalinga heroes (6,54).

The Kalinga, the Vanga, and the Nishada heroes, riding on elephants were said to attack Arjuna in Kurukshetra War (8,17).

Mekalas (a kingdom close to Dakshina Kosala Kingdom, in Chathisgad) and Utkalas (western Orissa), and Kalingas, and Nishadas and Tamraliptakas (south of West Bengal), were mentioned as advancing against Nakula (8,22). The Kalingas, the Vangas, the Angas, the Nishadas and the Magadhas were mentioned together on the Kaurava side at (8,70).

Nishadas in Kurukshetra War[link]

On Pandava Side[link]

Nishadas were mentioned as battling for the sake of Pandavas along with the Pauravakas and Patachcharas; at(6,50). The southern Nishadas were also mentioned in the army of Pandavas (8,49).

On Kaurava Side[link]

Nishada prince Ketumat was mentioned who was slain by Bhima along with the Kalinga heroes (6,54). Nishada army was mentioned to fight for the sake of Kauravas at various instances (6-118), (7,44), (8-17,20,22,60,70). Bhima is said to slay a Nishada prince (other than Ketumat) at (8,60).

Nishadas as a caste[link]

[[Its well known that the human civilization took birth from the cult of water. The nishads were the original and the first inhabitants of the human race.Hence they are considered to be fore fore grandfathers of every other race and mankind.The gradual evolution of mankind and human gave birth to other castes,ethnicities and communities.They are the pure people which have mixed during the period of time.The original nishads are considered to be valiant,exuberant,valour,courageous as they are the real sons who arose in the lap of water,the essence of life.In India due to the rigidity of occupation it began to be misbelieved that the people who are engaged in water related occupation only to be nishads but its not so.They are mixed in every caste the brahmins]], kshatriyas,yadavas etc.

A Mountain Range named Nishada[link]

A mountain range in ancient India is named Nishada, mentioned along with other mountains like Meru, Mahendra, Malaya, Sweta, Sringavat, Mandara, Nila Dardurna, Chitrakuta, Anjanabha, the Gandhamadana mountains and the sacred Somagiri (13,165).

Nishada as a musical note[link]

Shadaja, Rishabha, together with Gandhara, Madhyama, and likewise Panchama; after this should be known Nishada, and then Dhaivata (14,50). The seven original notes are Shadja, Rishabha, Gandhara, Mahdhyama, Panchama, Dhaivata and Nishada (12,183).

Nishada leadership in India[link]

• Late Jay pal Singh Kashyap MP
• Capt. Jay Narayan Prasad Nishad MP
• Vishambhar Prasad Nishad MP
• Late Smt. Phoolan Devi MP
• Rajesh Manjhi MP
• Shankh Lal Manjhi MP
• Sanatan B.C. MP
• Vimla Kashyap MP
• Narendra Kashyap MP
• Brijesh Kumar Nishad (Youth Leader of Nishad Ekta Manch,Rudrapur Deoria)

Other References[link]

• Swords of excellent quality were manufactured in the country of the Nishadas. Pandavas possessed such swords (2,42).
• The Utpalas, the Mekalas, the Paundras, the Kalingas, the Andhras, the Nishadas etc. were mentioned as defeated by Karna (7,4).
• The story of a robber of the name of Kayavya, born of a Kshatriya father and a Nishada mother is mentioned at (12,134).
• In a remote region in the midst of the ocean, the Nishadas have their fair home (1,28).
• Nishada king is equated with an Asura tribe called Krodhavardhana (1,67)
• The great Nishada king Nala, who was married to Vidarbha's king Bhima's beautiful daughter, Damayanti.
• In Indian music, Nishada is the seventh note (swara) of the octave.

See also[link]

• Kingdoms of Ancient India

References[link]

• Mahabharata of Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa, translated to English by Kisari Mohan Ganguli