TheKhasas were anorthwestern tribe mentioned in the epicMahabharata.
Khasas were mentioned along with Chivukas andPulindas andChinas,Hunas,Pahlavas,Sakas,Yavanas, Savaras,Paundras,Kiratas,Kanchis,Dravidas,Sinhalas and Keralas. All these tribes were described as Mlechha tribes. Here they were described as the protectors of sageVashistha and his cow against the attack of kingVishwamitra. Khasas were described as a barbarous tribe along with the Chivukas (MBh 1,177)
At (7,11) the Khasas were mentioned as arrived from diverse realms. Khasas were mentioned along with theMalavas,Daradas,Sakas andYavanas. Here they were mentioned to be vanquished byVasudeva Krishna.
At (8,8) theGandharas, theMadrakas, theMatsyas, theTrigartas, the Tanganas, the Khasas, thePancalas, theVidehas, theKulindas, theKasi-kosalas, theSuhmas, theAngas, theNishadhas, thePundras, the Kichakas, theVatsas, theKalingas, the Taralas, theAsmakas, and theRishikas were mentioned to be vanquished byKarna.
Pullindas and Khasas were mentioned together at (12,150)
The Mahabharata details the various gifts given toYudhishthira by Indian Kings and neighboring states at the Coronation Ceremonial (Rajasuya yajna). The Khasas, Tanganas, and others brought heaps of gold indronas (jars) collected by gold-digging ants (which most likely refers to Tibetan miners),chamaras (yak's tail), and sweet honey extracted from the flowers growing on the Himavat as tribute. These powerful people were known for their strength and generosity. They were described as people "endued with great strength".[1]
Khasas were mentioned as part of theKaurava army in theKurukshetra War, along with other tribes like theKamvojas and theSakas. (5-161,162)
Daradas and Tanganas and Khasas and Lampakas andPulindas were mentioned to be battling in theKurukshetra War armed with swords and lances. (7,118)
ThePulindas, theBahlikas, theNishadas, the Andhakas, the Tanganas, the Southerners, and the Bhojas were mentioned as battling with thePandya king who was on the side of thePandavas. (8,20)
TheTusharas, theYavanas, theKhasas, the Darvabhisaras, theDaradas, theSakas, the Kamathas, the Ramathas, the Tanganas theAndhrakas, thePulindas, theKiratas of fierce prowess, the Mlecchas, the Mountaineers were mentioned as fighting forDuryodhana. (8,73)