Nishada (niṣāda) is a tribe mentioned in ancient Indian literature (such as the epic Mahabharata). The ancient texts mention several kingdoms ruled by this tribe.[1]
In the Mahabharata, the Nishadas are described as hunters, fishermen, mountaineers or raiders that have the hills and the forests as their abode.[2] Their origin is associated with a king called Vena who became a slave to wrath and malice, and became unrighteous. Sages killed him for his malice and wrongdoings.[3] Ekalavya is stated to be an archer of a Nishada tribe in the text.[4] In the epic Ramayana, a king named Guha of the Nishada clan assists Rama during his period of exile.