[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879) › c5.1216 # A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1216 A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1216 - **Language:** English ### [c5.1216](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1216) The Nāgas, or a people bearing the same name, are historical, and have left many traces behind them. There were mountains so called, and Nāga-dwīpa was one of the seven divisions of Bhāratavarsha. Kings of this race reigned at Mathurā, Padmāvatī, &c., and the name survives in the modern Nāgpur. There are various speculations as to who and what they were, but it seems clear they were a race distinct from the Hindus. The mythological accounts are probably based upon the historical, but they have been mixed up together and confused. The favourite theory is that they were a Scythic race, and probably obtained their name from worshipping serpents or holding them in awe and reverence. - [Previous: c5.1215](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1215) - [Next: c5.1217](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1217) - [Up: c5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1216](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1216) · Pramāṇa