Assaka (Potali)
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Overview
Assaka (Ashmaka) was one of the sixteen mahajanapadas of the sixth century BCE. It is the only one of them located south of the Vindhyas, on the banks of the Godavari.
Its capital was Potali (also written Potana). Buddhist and other early texts list it among the great kingdoms of the age. Its position shows that the Deccan was already part of the early historic world of states and trade.
Later traditions identify the area with the region around present-day Bodhan in Telangana, between the Godavari and its tributaries.
Geography and key facts
- One of the 16 mahajanapadas
- Only mahajanapada south of the Vindhyas
- On the Godavari, in the Deccan
- Capital: Potali (Potana)
Why it matters for UPSC
Mahajanapada–capital pairs are a common Prelims match. Remember Assaka for its unusual southern location.
Note for UPSC
The only mahajanapada south of the Vindhyas, on the Godavari.
Mahajanapadas are asked with their capitals and present-day regions; positions are approximate.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Assaka (Potali) yet.
Key facts
- Type
- Mahajanapada
- State / UT
- Telangana
- Coordinates
- 18.670°N, 77.900°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Vedic Age, Mahajanapadas, Buddhism and Jainism (map lesson)
- Mahajanapadas and the Rise of Magadha (map lesson)
More mahajanapadas (approx.) nearby
Other places in Telangana
All mahajanapadas (approx.) · Revision list · Most asked in PYQs