Kosala (Shravasti)
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Overview
Kosala was one of the sixteen mahajanapadas, in the Awadh region of present Uttar Pradesh. Its capital was Shravasti; Ayodhya and Saketa were also important centres.
With Magadha, Vatsa and Avanti it was one of the four most powerful mahajanapadas. It had grown out of the later Vedic tribal kingdoms along with the Kurus, Panchalas, Kashi and Videha.
Geography and key facts
- Capital: Shravasti (also Ayodhya, Saketa)
- Region: Awadh, Uttar Pradesh
- One of the four most powerful mahajanapadas
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
Kingdom in present UP.
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 Kosala (Shravasti).
Key facts
- Type
- Mahajanapada
- State / UT
- Uttar Pradesh
- Coordinates
- 27.517°N, 82.051°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 Uttar Pradesh
All mahajanapadas (approx.) · Revision list · Most asked in PYQs