Mahajanapada
Avanti (Ujjayini)
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Overview
Avanti was one of the sixteen mahajanapadas, in the Malwa region of present Madhya Pradesh, with its centres at Ujjain and Mahishmati.
It was one of the four most powerful mahajanapadas and a rival of Magadha. Bimbisara of Magadha sent his physician Jivaka to treat Pradyota of Avanti.
Geography and key facts
- Centres: Ujjain (Ujjayini), Mahishmati
- Region: Malwa, Madhya Pradesh
- Ruler in Bimbisara's time: Pradyota
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked on kingdoms linked with the life of the Buddha (2015, 2014), a mahajanapada map question (1997) and a 2025 pairs question on 600–322 BC.
Note for UPSC
Malwa; rival of Magadha.
Mahajanapadas are asked with their capitals and present-day regions; positions are approximate.
Asked in PYQs
- UPSC Prelims 2025 · Q17With reference to ancient India (600–322 BC), consider the following pairs : Territorial region : River flowing in the region I. Asmaka : Godavari II. Kamboja : Vipas III…
- UPSC Prelims 2015 · Q39Which of the following kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha? Select the correct answer using the code given below.…
- UPSC Prelims 2014 · Q25Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha? Select the correct answer using the code given below.…
- UPSC Prelims 1997 · Q85The following map shows four of the sixteen mahajanapadas that existed in ancient India. The places marked A, B, C and D respectively are…
Questions from our Prelims bank whose text names Avanti (Ujjayini).
Key facts
- Type
- Mahajanapada
- State / UT
- Madhya Pradesh
- Coordinates
- 23.170°N, 75.790°E
- Asked in Prelims
- 4 questions · 2025, 2015, 2014, 1997
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
More mahajanapadas (approx.) nearby
Other places in Madhya Pradesh
All mahajanapadas (approx.) · Revision list · Most asked in PYQs