This is counter to the argument by other scholars that the term Rishtika used together with Petenika in the Ashokan inscriptions implied they were hereditary ruling clans from modern Maharashtra region and the term "Ratta" implied Maharatta ruling families from modern Maharashtra region.
The opposing view of scholars is challenged by this statement, which argues that the terms "Rishtika" and "Petenika" in the Ashokan inscriptions suggest hereditary ruling clans from the present-day Maharashtra region, while "Ratta" implies Maharatta ruling families from the same area.