 In later times, they formed a part of the Persian empire.They are first mentioned as Gandhari in the Rigveda, then along with the Balhikas (Bactrians) among border tribes in the Atharvavada, to whom one sends illnesses such as the fever.The Aitareya Brahmana refers to king Naganajit of Gandhara who was contemporary of King Janaka of Videha.