Asita is an ancient rājarṣi (rajarshi; a king with the attributes of a seer-sage). We have the mention of Asita as one of those rājarṣ(s)i who were defeated by Rājarṣi Māndhātā, belonging to Ikṣvākuvaṁśa (Ikswakuvamsa; the royal lime of Ikswaku).