The Brahmanas regarded rulers like the Shakas, who originated from Central Asia, as what?

Mlechchhas

In the ancient times, various rulers held distinct social statuses in the eyes of the Brahmanas. For instance, the Shakas, hailing from Central Asia, were regarded as mlechchhas, or outsiders and barbarians. Nevertheless, an early Sanskrit inscription narrates how Rudradaman, a prominent Shaka ruler from the second century CE, reconstructed Sudarshana lake, suggesting their acquaintance with Sanskritic traditions.