Mentioned as Kiratas in Mahabharat epic

The Kiratas (Sanskrit: ?????) mentioned in early Hindu texts are the tribals of the forest and mountains. They are mentioned along with Cinas (Chinese). Kirati languages belong to Tibeto-Burman family of Languages . Kiratas have been identified as the present day Rai, Limbu and Sunuwar of Nepal.In Yoga Vasistha
Yoga VasisthaYoga Vasistha , also known as Vasistha's Yoga, was authored by sage Vasistha, one of the teachers of Rama, as the name suggests, "Yoga" means union - with the Truth, and "Vasistha" was the sage who has imparted this knowledge.... 1.15.5 Rama speaks of "kirAteneva vAgurA", "a trap [laid] by Kiratas", so about BCE Xth Century, they were thought of as jungle trappers, the ones who dug pits to capture roving deer. The same text also speaks of King Suraghu, the head of the Kiratas who is a friend of the Persian King, Parigha.Hindu myth has many incidents where their God Shiva has imitated a Kirat person. History of Kirats describes some of the achievements of Kirata people in eastern Nepal.