Answer:

Introduction:
The Sufi saint and his followers who loved to call themselves Rishis and not Sufis were the followers of Shaikh Nuruddin Rishi of Kashmir. This choice is correct because Shaikh Nuruddin Rishi was a prominent Sufi saint in Kashmir and his followers preferred to identify themselves as Rishis rather than Sufis.

Shaikh Nuruddin Rishi:
- Shaikh Nuruddin Rishi, also known as Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali, was born in 1377 CE in a village called Qaimoh in Kashmir.
- He was a renowned Sufi saint who played a significant role in the spread of Islam in Kashmir.
- Shaikh Nuruddin Rishi was a disciple of the famous Sufi saint Sheikh Syed Ali Hamdani, who introduced the Rishi-Sufi tradition in Kashmir.

The Rishi-Sufi Tradition:
- The Rishi-Sufi tradition in Kashmir was a unique blend of Sufism and Kashmiri mysticism.
- The followers of this tradition preferred to identify themselves as Rishis rather than Sufis.
- This choice of identification was rooted in the indigenous cultural and spiritual heritage of Kashmir.

Reasons for Calling Themselves Rishis:
1. Indigenous Roots:
- The term "Rishi" is derived from the ancient Indian spiritual tradition of Rishis, who were revered seers and sages.
- The followers of Shaikh Nuruddin Rishi, being deeply rooted in the Kashmiri culture, preferred to associate themselves with the indigenous notion of Rishis.

2. Cultural Integration:
- By identifying themselves as Rishis, the followers of Shaikh Nuruddin Rishi aimed at integrating Islamic teachings with the cultural and spiritual traditions of Kashmir.
- This choice of identification helped in bridging the gap between the local population and the teachings of Islam.

3. Emphasizing Mystical Knowledge:
- The term "Rishi" also connotes deep spiritual knowledge and mystical experiences.
- By calling themselves Rishis, the followers of Shaikh Nuruddin Rishi emphasized the importance of inner spiritual experiences and mystical insights.

4. Promoting Peace and Harmony:
- The Rishi-Sufi tradition, propagated by Shaikh Nuruddin Rishi and his followers, aimed at promoting peace, harmony, and tolerance among people.
- By identifying themselves as Rishis, they conveyed a message of inclusivity and acceptance, which resonated with the ethos of Kashmiri society.

Conclusion:
The followers of Shaikh Nuruddin Rishi, a prominent Sufi saint in Kashmir, preferred to call themselves Rishis rather than Sufis. This choice was rooted in the indigenous cultural and spiritual heritage of Kashmir and aimed at integrating Islamic teachings with the local traditions. The Rishi-Sufi tradition emphasized mystical experiences, peace, and harmony among people.