The Geographical Dictionary of Ancient and Mediaeval India c5.s2.9

c5.s2.9

Bâhika—The country between the Bias and the Sutlej, north of Kekaya. It is another name for Vâlhika (see Mbh., Sabhâ, ch. 27, where Vâlheka is evidently used for Vâlhika) : it was conquered by Arjuna. According to the Mahâbhârata (Karṇa P., ch. 44), the Vâhikas lived generally between the Sutlej and the Indus, but specially on the west of the rivers Râvi and Âpagâ (Ayuk Nadî), and their capital was Śâkala. They were a non-Aryan race and perhaps came from Balkh, the capital of Bactria. According to Pâṇini and Patañjali, Vâhîka was another name for the Panjab (IV, 2, 117; V, 3, 114; Ind. Ant. I, 122). See Takka-deśa. Bâhi and Hika were names of two Asuras of the Bias river after whom the country was called Vâhîka. (Mbh., Karṇa P., ch. 45 and Arch. S. Rep., vol. V). They lived by robbery. According to the Râmâyaṇa (Ayodhyâ K., ch. 78), Vâlhika was situated between Ayodhyâ and Kekaya.