Tribes In Ancient India - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of Bimala Churn Law's "Tribes in Ancient India," based on the provided text.

Overview:

Bimala Churn Law's "Tribes in Ancient India," published in 1943, is a seminal work in the study of ancient Indian history, focusing on the various tribes that populated the Indian subcontinent. Drawing extensively from a wide range of original Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, Tibetan, and Chinese texts, as well as epigraphy, archaeology, numismatics, and the accounts of Chinese pilgrims, Law aims to provide a systematic and comprehensive account of these tribes and their contributions to early Indian history. The author acknowledges the difficulty of separating legend from authentic history but strives for a scientific approach.

Methodology and Sources:

Law's methodology is characterized by:

Extensive use of primary sources: He cites numerous ancient texts, including the Vedas, Brahmanas, Upanishads, Epics (Mahabharata, Ramayana), Puranas, Jatakas, and works by grammarians like Panini and lexicographers like Hemachandra.
Incorporation of secondary sources: He also references modern scholarly works, epigraphy, numismatics, and travelogues of Chinese pilgrims.
Geographical and historical context: Law meticulously attempts to locate the tribes geographically and trace their historical presence through various periods.
Distinguishing between different traditions: He acknowledges and often presents differing etymologies, historical accounts, and geographical locations from various sources.
Separating legend from history: While acknowledging the importance of legends in understanding ancient narratives, Law makes efforts to distinguish them from verifiable historical facts.

Key Tribes and Their Descriptions (as presented in the sampled chapters):

The book systematically covers a vast array of tribes, detailing their origins, locations, historical mentions, social customs, and political significance. Here's a summary of some of the tribes discussed in the provided excerpt:

The Kambojas: Initially considered a Vedic Indian people, mentioned in the Vamsa Brahmana. They were known for their fine horses, blankets, and were described as shaven-headed by Panini. Their location is debated, with suggestions ranging from the North-West Frontier to Afghanistan and Tibet. They participated in the Kurukshetra War, supporting the Kauravas. Later Vedic and Epic literature suggests a gradual degradation of their status, possibly due to admixture with uncivilized invaders.
The Gandharas: An ancient tribe of the N.W. frontier, with history traceable from Rigvedic times. Their territory likely encompassed modern Peshawar and Rawalpindi, possibly extending into Eastern Afghanistan. Their capital was Takshashila (Taxila), a major center of learning. They were known for their wool and horses and played a significant role in the Kurukshetra War under their king Shakuni. Gandhara was a flourishing seat of Buddhism and produced renowned scholars.
The Kurus: One of the most ancient and prominent Indo-Aryan Kshatriya tribes. Their territory evolved from the Sarasvati region to encompass the region around Delhi (Kurukshetra). They are closely associated with the Panchalas, forming a united Kuru-Panchala nation that was a significant cultural and political center during the Brahmana period. Hastinapur and Indraprastha were their ancient capitals. The Kuru name is linked to the famous Kurukshetra battlefield.
The Pañcālas: Closely connected with the Kurus, they were known as Krivis in ancient times and are mentioned in the Rigveda. Their country was divided into Northern and Southern Panchala, with capitals at Ahichhatra and Kampilya respectively. They were a significant power in the Madhyadesha and played a role in the Kuru-Panchala confederacy, influencing Vedic and Brahmana literature.
The Śūrasenas: Not explicitly mentioned in Vedic literature but highly regarded by Manu as belonging to Brahmarshi-desa. Their capital was Mathura on the Jumna. They are noted for their martial qualities and were a prominent Mahajanapada in Buddhist literature. Mathura was a significant city and a center for Krishna worship and later, Bhagavatism.
The Cedis: An ancient Kshatriya tribe known for their munificence and prowess in battle as early as the Rigvedic period. King Vasu Uparichara is a prominent Cedi monarch, known for his religious merit and lineage connections to the Kauravas and Pandavas. Sisupala, another Cedi king, was a formidable figure allied with Jarasandha, and his death at Krishna's hands is a significant event in the Mahabharata. Their capital was Suktimati.
The Madras: An ancient Kshatriya tribe of Vedic times, whose territory was in the central Punjab. Their capital was Sagala (Sakala). Madra princesses were sought in marriage by important Kshatriya houses of North India, indicating their significant social standing. Their horses were renowned.
The Mālavas: A tribe that initially settled in the Punjab and gradually spread to Rajputana, Central India, and Gujarat. They are mentioned by Alexander's historians as Malloi and associated with the Ksudrakas. They were known as "āyudhajīvi samghas" (tribes living by arms). Their migration to Rajputana and later to Central India (Malwa) is documented. The Malava era is associated with them.
The Śālvas: An important people of Ancient India, mentioned by Panini, the Epics, and Purānas. They were likely located near the Kuru country and their capital was perhaps Śalvapura or Saubhagyanagara. They supported Duryodhana in the Kurukshetra War and are sometimes referred to as Danavas and Daityas due to a legendary enmity with Vishnu.
The Uśīnaras: An ancient tribe dwelling north of the Kuru country and associated with the Middle Country (Madhyadesha) in Brahmana literature. The Sivis are considered their descendants. They are known for the story of King Uśīnara's self-sacrifice.
The Vāhlīkas: A people in the northern division of India, possibly beyond the Punjab, and near Gandhara and Kamboja, possibly in the region of Balkh. They were known for their horses. Their connection to the Kamboja region is suggested by their fame for horses and the difficulty of approach to their land.
The Trigarttas: A tribe known from Panini's Astadhyayi, likely a Kshatriya tribal republic. They are associated with the Yaudheyas and located in the Punjab, possibly in the Kangra district, a region watered by the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. They fought on Duryodhana's side in the Kurukshetra War.
The Yaudheyas: A republican Kshatriya tribe from the Punjab, known from Panini and the Purānas. They were an "āyudhajīvi samgha" (tribe living by arms). Their territory might be identified with Johiyabar, near Multan. They are mentioned in inscriptions, including the Bijayagadh Stone Inscription, indicating their presence in Rajputana.
The Kekayas: A significant tribe of Ancient India, mentioned in Vedic literature and the Epics. Their territory was in the Punjab, possibly beyond the Beas, bordering Gandhara. Their origin is traced to the Anu tribe or Anavas. Aśvapati is a known Kekaya king. They fought on Duryodhana's side in the Kurukshetra War.
The Ābhīras: A tribe prominent from the Epic age, later establishing an independent kingdom. They are associated with the Sudras and located in Western India, possibly West Rajputana near the vanishing point of the Sarasvati River. Greek geographers also mention them. They possibly migrated to Nepal and the Deccan.
The Sibis (or Śivas): An ancient people in the Western Punjab, who later migrated or sent offshoots to Sind and Rajputana. Mentioned in the Rigveda and by Greek historians. Their king Sivi, son of Uśīnara, is prominent. Coins suggest they formed a republican state in Madhyamikā, near Chitore.
The Daradas: A tribe of N.W. India, known in indigenous and foreign traditions. Mentioned in the Mahabharata as allies of the Kauravas and in the Vishnu Purana with the Abhiras and Kashmiras. Their name is linked to the word "darad" meaning "mountain," suggesting a mountainous habitat. They played a role in Kashmir's history and their country is still known as Dardistan.
The Kārūşas (or Kārusas): A tribe mentioned in the Epics and Puranas, but scarcely in Vedic literature, suggesting their emergence in prominence later. They are consistently associated with the Cedis. Dantavakra, a king of Karūsa, is mentioned as a contemporary of the Pandavas. Their territory likely lay south of Kasi and Vatsa, between Cedi and Magadha.
The Kulatas or Kulūtas: A tribal republic mentioned in the Markandeya Purana and Mahabharata, possibly located in the modern Kulu region near the Beas River. Yuan Chwang visited Ku-lu-to, identified with Kullu. They are associated with other republican tribes like Malavas and Yaudheyas.
The Kulindas: A small North Indian tribe, sometimes confused with Pulindas. Mentioned in the Mahabharata and by Ptolemy as Kulindrine, near the sources of rivers like Vipasa and Yamuna. They are possibly identical with the Kunindas, known from coins in the West Punjab.
The Barbaras: A "barbarian" tribe associated with northern and north-western India, mentioned in the Mahabharata. Their country might have been along the river Srotasī, a source of pearls, with a city called Alakanda.
The Muṇḍās: Mentioned in the Vishnu Purana as a dynasty of princes succeeding the Tusharas. Cunningham suggests a connection with Ptolemy's Moroundai. The Murundas are also referred to as Mleccha tribes.
The Ārjunāyanas and Prārjunas: Tribal peoples mentioned in Samudragupta's Allahabad Pillar Inscription. Their names suggest a connection with Arjuna. Their geographical location is likely contiguous to the Yaudheyas in Rajputana.
The Āmbasthas: A tribe existing from the time of the Aitareya Brahmana, possibly settled in the Punjab and later migrating to Bengal and Bihar. Mentioned in the Mahabharata and Purānas as Anava Kshatriyas, but Smrti literature suggests a mixed origin. They are identified with the Abastanoi of Alexander's historians.
The Niṣādhas: Referred to in later Samhitas and Brahmanas, likely a general term for non-Aryan tribes outside Aryan control. They are associated with hunting and fishing. Manu explains their origin from a Brahmana father and Sudra mother. They inhabited mountainous regions and are mentioned in relation to the Vatsas and Bhargas.
The Niṣadhas: A different race from Niṣādas, possibly Aryan. Descended from King Prithu, they are associated with King Nala and the country of Niṣadha, likely near Vidarbha and the Vindhya range. They participated in the Kurukshetra War on the Pandava side.
The Kāśīs: The ancient name for the kingdom with its capital Varanasi (Benares). Mentioned in Vedic literature and Epics. Varanasi was a wealthy and prosperous city and a significant center of trade. Kāśī was bordered by Kosala, Magadha, and Vatsa and was often a point of contention between them.
The Kosalas: Mentioned in later Vedic works as a country, and a prominent Mahajanapada in Buddhist literature. They belonged to the solar family and traced their descent from Ikshvaku. Their territory included Oudh and possibly Benares. They had a significant role in the Ramayana and Epic period, with capitals at Ayodhya, Saketa, and Shravasti.
The Vatsas: A Vedic Aryan tribe, possibly originating from a personal name or tribal designation "Vasa." They are linked to the Kuru-Panchalas and Uśīnaras in Vedic literature and mentioned as one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas. Their capital was Kausambi. King Udayana of Vatsa was a contemporary of the Buddha and other major kings of the era.
The Pundras: An ancient people, mentioned in the Aitareya Brahmana as outcaste descendants of Vishvamitra. They are associated with Vanga and Suhma in Bengal and are mentioned in the Epics and Puranas as Bāleya Kshatras. Their country is generally identified with North Bengal.
The Kiratas: A non-Aryan mountain tribe with a rude culture, mentioned in the Epics and Puranas. They are associated with northern regions (Uttarāpatha) and possibly Eastern India. Ptolemy mentions the Kirrhadae in Sogdiana and the Periplus mentions Kirrhadia west of the Ganges, suggesting settlements in both regions. They had settlements in Nepal.
The Pragjyotiṣas: Likely of non-Aryan extraction, mentioned in the Epics and Puranas as an Asura or Danava kingdom ruled by Naraka and Muru. Bhagadatta, a powerful king of Pragjyotisha, is described as a Mleccha and ally of Duryodhana. Their territory is generally identified with Assam and parts of Northern Bengal (Kamarupa).
The Bulis, Koliyas, Moriyas, Bhaggas, and Kālamas: Lesser tribes mentioned in Buddhist texts, often associated with the Buddha's life. The Bulis were from Allakappa, Koliyas from Devadaha and Ramagama, Moriyas from Pipphalivana, Bhaggas from Sumsumara Hill, and Kalamas from Kesaputta. Their political organizations and social customs are briefly touched upon, with the Licchavis serving as a significant point of comparison for their republican structures.
The Licchavis: A powerful people of Eastern India in the 6th century BC, known for their republican form of government and free institutions, influencing the development of Jainism and Buddhism. They claimed Kshatriya status and traced their ancestry to Ikshvaku. Their capital was Vaishali. They had a complex judicial system and were known for their prosperity, martial spirit, and religious inclinations. They also had significant interactions with Magadha and Kosala.
The Utkalas and Uḍras (or Odras): Utkalas are mentioned in later Vedic works and the Purānas, associated with the eastern region and possibly the Vindhyan range. They are distinguished from Odra/Udra, though sometimes grouped with them. Historical mentions appear in later inscriptions related to the Pala and Sena dynasties. Uḍras/Odras are mentioned as "Mlecchas" in Manu and later Sanskrit texts, and are placed in the Deccan and possibly Eastern India based on later accounts.
The Avantis: A significant Kshatriya clan mentioned in the Mahabharata, with dual monarchs Vinda and Anuvinda. Their capital was Ujjayini, a major commercial and intellectual center. They were a prosperous kingdom and one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas. Avanti was later absorbed into the Mauryan and Gupta empires and its history is linked with the rise of Buddhism.
The Sindhu-Sauviras: An ancient people located on the Indus River, mentioned in Baudhāyana's Dharmasūtra and considered impure by early Aryans. They are frequently associated with the Matsyas and Sālvas. Their territory likely included parts of modern Sind and Rajputana. Later, they fell under Saka and Gupta rule, and their coast was affected by Arab invasions.
The Surāṣṭras: A prominent tribe in Western India, mentioned in the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and consistently located in the western region by the Purānas. Their capital was either Kolkai or Madura. They were part of the Maurya and Gupta empires and had interactions with Bactrian Greeks and Saka rulers.
The Kākas, Kharaparikas, and Sanakānikas: Tribal peoples mentioned in Samudragupta's Allahabad Pillar Inscription, likely located on the fringes of Aryavarta in Western India. Little is known about them from other sources, though some potential identifications are suggested.
The Matsyas: An ancient Kshatriya tribe, known from the Rigveda and later Vedic literature. They were considered wealthy and orthodox followers of Brahmanism. Their country, Matsyadeśa, included parts of modern Rajputana and was bordered by the Kurus and Surasenas. Viratanagara was their capital, and they are known for their association with the Pandavas during their exile.
The Ramathas: A northern people, possibly living near the Kulutas. Their location is debated between northern and western divisions of India. They were mentioned in the Mahabharata and Purānas and appear to have been defeated by Pratihara kings.
The Pāradās: A "barbarous hill tribe" associated with northern regions, mentioned in Puranic and Epic traditions alongside other rude tribes like Barbaras and Daradas. Their exact location is debated, with suggestions pointing to the Salioda river region and possible connections to the Deccan in the Maurya period.
The Bhojas: An ancient Kshatriya tribe, prominent from the Brahmana period, allied with the Satvats and belonging to the Yadu-vamsa. They were located in Western India, possibly in the Berar region. Their history is intertwined with the Vrishnis and Andhakas, and they participated in the Kurukshetra War. Their capital might have been Mrttikavati.
The Mekalas: A small tribe inhabiting the Amarkantak hills and surrounding regions, named after the Mekala mountain where the river Narmada originates. They are described as a Vindhyan tribe in the Puranas and are associated with the Kārūṣas, Daśārņas, and Utkalas.
The Daśārņas: Mentioned in the Epics, Puranas, and Kalidasa's Meghaduta, with possible settlements in the west and east/south-east. Their western capital was Vidisha (Bhilsha). The eastern Daśārņa is likely identical with Dosarene mentioned in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea. They participated in the Kurukshetra War and were known for their elephants.
The Pāriyātras: A people identified with the Pariyātra or Pāripātra mountains, a part of the Vindhya range, likely in the northern and western portions, possibly including the Aravallis. Their exact tribal identity is unclear, but they are associated with tribes in the Vindhya region.
Miscellaneous Tribes: The book also briefly mentions numerous other tribes such as the Petenikas, Go-Lāngulas, Sailuṣas, Kusumas, Nāma-Vāsakas, Ādhakyas, Dandakas, Paurikas, Ātharvas, Arkālingas, Maulikas, Mūsikas, Culikas, Śūlikas, Kankanas, Tosalas, Vaidiśas, Tuṣṭikāras, Māhiṣakas, Kikatas, Pravargas, Rangeyas, Mānadas, Ugras, Tanganas, Mudākaras, Āntargiryas, Bahirgiras, Ānūpas, Kukuras, Suryārakas, Vṛkas, Hārabūṣikas, Mātharas, Jāgudas, Brahmottaras, Bhrgukacchas, Māheyas, and Haihayas, providing brief notes on their possible locations and mentions in ancient texts.
The Pundras: An ancient people, mentioned in the Aitareya Brahmana as outcaste descendants of Vishvamitra. They are associated with Vanga and Suhma in Bengal and are identified with Pundravardhana. They are consistently mentioned with eastern tribes in the Epics and Puranas.
The Kiratas: A non-Aryan mountain tribe with a rudimentary culture, found in northern regions and possibly Eastern India. They had settlements in Nepal and were associated with the Mlecchas. Ptolemy mentions them in Sogdiana and the Periplus places them west of the Ganges.
The Pragjyotiṣas: Likely of non-Aryan origin, described as an Asura or Danava kingdom in the Epics and Puranas. King Bhagadatta is a prominent ruler, described as a Mleccha and ally of Duryodhana. Their territory is generally identified with Assam and Northern Bengal (Kamarupa).
The Bulis, Koliyas, Moriyas, Bhaggas, and Kālamas: Lesser tribes occasionally mentioned in Buddhist texts. The Bulis were from Allakappa, Koliyas from Devadaha and Ramagama, Moriyas from Pipphalivana, Bhaggas from Sumsumara Hill, and Kālamas from Kesaputta. They are often mentioned in relation to the Buddha and their political structures are compared to those of the Licchavis.
The Licchavis: A powerful republican people of Eastern India, influential in the development of Jainism and Buddhism. Their capital was Vaishali. They were Kshatriyas with a highly organized government, possibly an oligarchy, and were known for their prosperity, martial prowess, and religious inclinations, showing respect for both Vedic traditions and the new faiths.
The Utkalas and Uḍras (Odras): Utkalas are mentioned in later Vedic works and Puranas, associated with Eastern India and the Vindhyan region, distinct from Odra/Udra. Uḍras are mentioned as "Mlecchas" in later texts and associated with the Deccan or Eastern India.
The Avantis: A significant Kshatriya clan with dual monarchs, their capital being Ujjayini, a major commercial and intellectual hub. They were a prominent kingdom during the time of Buddha and were later absorbed into larger empires.
The Sindhu-Sauviras: Ancient people on the Indus, considered impure by early Aryans. They were neighbors of the Matsyas and Sālvas and played a role in the Kurukshetra War. Their territory likely spanned parts of Sind and Rajputana.
The Surāṣṭras: A prominent Western Indian tribe, mentioned in the Ramayana and Mahabharata, located in the west. Their capital was likely Madura or Kolkai. They were part of the Maurya and Gupta empires and had interactions with Greeks and Sakas.
The Kākas, Kharaparikas, and Sanakānikas: Tribal peoples from Samudragupta's inscriptions, likely from the northwest or western fringe of Aryavarta. Little is known about them from other sources.
The Matsyas: An ancient Kshatriya tribe known for their wealth, particularly in cattle, and their orthodox Brahmanical practices. Their country, Matsyadeśa, included parts of Rajputana, and their capital was Viratanagara. They are associated with the Pandavas.
The Ramathas: A northern people, possibly near the Kulutas, with debated locations in northern and western India. They were mentioned in the Epics and Purānas and were reportedly defeated by Pratihara kings.
The Pāradās: A "barbarous hill tribe" of the North, linked to other rude tribes like Barbaras and Daradas. Their location is debated, with suggestions pointing to the Salioda river region and possibly the Deccan during the Maurya period. They are mentioned alongside Sakas, Yavanas, and Pahlavas.
The Bhojas: An ancient Kshatriya tribe, allied with the Satvats and belonging to the Yadu lineage, located in Western India, likely Berar. They participated in the Kurukshetra War and their history is connected to the Vrishnis and Andhakas. Their capital might have been Mrttikavati.
The Mekalas: A tribe inhabiting the Amarkantak hills and surrounding regions, named after the Mekala mountain. Described as a Vindhyan tribe and associated with Kārūṣas, Daśārṇas, and Utkalas.
The Daśārņas: Mentioned in the Epics, Puranas, and Kalidasa's works, with settlements in the west and possibly east/south-east. Their western capital was Vidisha. They were known for their elephants and participated in the Kurukshetra War.
The Pāriyātras: A people associated with the Pariyātra or Pāripātra mountain ranges, part of the Vindhyas. Their specific tribal identity is unclear, but they are linked to tribes in the Vindhyan region.
Miscellaneous Tribes: A lengthy list of tribes with brief mentions, including the Petenikas (Paithānikas), Go-Lāngulas, Sailuṣas, Kusumas, Nāma-Vāsakas, Ādhakyas, Daṇḍakas, Paurikas, Ātharvas, Arkālingas, Maulikas, Mūsikas, Culikas, Śūlikas, Kaňkaṇas, Tosalas, Vaidiśas, Tuṣṭikāras, Māhiṣakas, Kikatas, Pravargas, Raṁgeyās, Mānadas, Ugras, Tanganas, Mudākaras, Āntargiryas, Bahirgiras, Ānūpas, Kukuras, Suryārakas, Vṛkas, Hārabhūṣikas, Mātharas, Jāgudas, Brahmottaras, Bhrgukacchas, Māheyas, Bhojas, Aparāntas, Haihayas, Bhogavardhanas, Sarajas, Vīrahotras, Vindhyamauliyas, Jāñgalas, Bhadrakaras, Kṣudrakas, Puṣkalas, Cīnas, Tukhāras, Sārasvatas, Aśvakūtas, Kullyas, Malakas, Bodhas, Daśamālikas, Harṣavardhanas, Kuśerukas, Haṁsamārgāḥ, Kuhakas, Śatapathas, Carmakhaṇḍikās, Gabalas/Śatadrujas, Urṇas, Darvas, Bahu-bhadras, Traipuras, Gajāhvayas, Parṇa-sāvaras, Arbūdas, and Khāśas.
The Pundras: An ancient people, mentioned in the Aitareya Brahmana as outcaste descendants of Vishvamitra. They are associated with Vanga and Suhma in Bengal and are identified with Pundravardhana. They are consistently mentioned with eastern tribes in the Epics and Puranas.
The Kiratas: A non-Aryan mountain tribe with a rudimentary culture, found in northern regions and possibly Eastern India. They had settlements in Nepal and were associated with the Mlecchas. Ptolemy mentions them in Sogdiana and the Periplus places them west of the Ganges.
The Pragjyotiṣas: Likely of non-Aryan origin, described as an Asura or Danava kingdom in the Epics and Puranas. King Bhagadatta is a prominent ruler, described as a Mleccha and ally of Duryodhana. Their territory is generally identified with Assam and Northern Bengal (Kamarupa).
The Bulis, Koliyas, Moriyas, Bhaggas, and Kālamas: Lesser tribes occasionally mentioned in Buddhist texts, associated with the Buddha's life. They had distinct political and social structures, with the Licchavis serving as a point of comparison for their republican systems.
The Licchavis: A powerful republican people of Eastern India, influential in the development of Jainism and Buddhism. Their capital was Vaishali. They were Kshatriyas with a highly organized government, likely an oligarchy, and were known for their prosperity, martial spirit, and religious inclinations, showing respect for both Vedic traditions and new faiths.
The Utkalas and Uḍras (Odras): Utkalas are mentioned in later Vedic works and the Puranas, associated with Eastern India and the Vindhyan region, distinct from Odra/Udra. Uḍras are mentioned as "Mlecchas" in later texts and associated with the Deccan or Eastern India.
The Avantis: A significant Kshatriya clan with dual monarchs, their capital being Ujjayini, a major commercial and intellectual hub. They were a prosperous kingdom and one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas, later absorbed into larger empires.
The Sindhu-Sauviras: Ancient people on the Indus, considered impure by early Aryans. They were neighbors of the Matsyas and Śālvas and played a role in the Kurukshetra War. Their territory likely spanned parts of Sind and Rajputana.
The Surāṣṭras: A prominent Western Indian tribe, mentioned in the Ramayana and Mahabharata, located in the west. Their capital was likely Madura or Kolkai. They were part of the Maurya and Gupta empires and interacted with Greeks and Sakas.
The Kākas, Kharaparikas, and Sanakānikas: Tribal peoples from Samudragupta's inscriptions, likely from the northwest or western fringe of Aryavarta, with limited information available.
The Matsyas: An ancient Kshatriya tribe known for their wealth in cattle and their orthodox Brahmanical practices. Their country, Matsyadeśa, included parts of Rajputana, and their capital was Viratanagara. They are associated with the Pandavas.
The Ramathas: A northern people, possibly near the Kulutas, with debated locations. Mentioned in the Epics and Puranas, and reportedly defeated by Pratihara kings.
The Pāradās: A "barbarous hill tribe" of the North, linked to other rude tribes. Their location is debated, possibly near the Salioda river and the Deccan during the Maurya period. They are mentioned alongside Sakas, Yavanas, and Pahlavas.
The Bhojas: An ancient Kshatriya tribe, allied with the Satvats and belonging to the Yadu lineage, located in Western India. They participated in the Kurukshetra War and their history is connected to the Vrishnis and Andhakas. Their capital might have been Mrttikavati.
The Mekalas: A tribe inhabiting the Amarkantak hills, named after the Mekala mountain. Described as a Vindhyan tribe and associated with Kārūṣas, Daśārņas, and Utkalas.
The Daśārņas: Mentioned in the Epics, Puranas, and Kalidasa's works, with settlements in the west and possibly east/south-east. Their western capital was Vidisha. They were known for their elephants and fought in the Kurukshetra War.
The Pāriyātras: A people associated with the Pariyātra mountain ranges, part of the Vindhya chain. Their specific tribal identity is unclear but linked to Vindhyan tribes.
Miscellaneous Tribes: A lengthy list of other tribes with brief descriptions of their mentions and possible locations, including Petenikas, Go-Lāngulas, Sailuṣas, Kusumas, Nāma-Vāsakas, Ādhakyas, Daṇḍakas, Paurikas, Ātharvas, Arkālingas, Maulikas, Mūsikas, Culikas, Śūlikas, Kaňkaṇas, Tosalas, Vaidiśas, Tuṣṭikāras, Māhiṣakas, Kikatas, Pravargas, Raṁgeyās, Mānadas, Ugras, Tanganas, Mudākaras, Āntargiryas, Bahirgiras, Ānūpas, Kukuras, Suryārakas, Vṛkas, Hārabhūṣikas, Mātharas, Jāgudas, Brahmottaras, Bhrgukacchas, Māheyas, Aparāntas, Haihayas, Bhogavardhanas, Sarajas, Vīrahotras, Vindhyamauliyas, Jāñgalas, Bhadrakaras, Kṣudrakas, Puṣkalas, Cīnas, Tukhāras, Sārasvatas, Aśvakūtas, Kullyas, Malakas, Bodhas, Daśamālikas, and Harṣavardhanas.

This summary provides a structured overview of the extensive research presented in the book, highlighting Law's meticulous approach to understanding the diverse tribal landscape of ancient India.